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EDENSOR - Description from Pigot's 1835 Directory

EDENSOR-WITH-CHATSWORTH and PILSLEY hamlet forming a parish, in the hundred of High Peak, is remarkable as containing one of the wonders of the Peak, viz. the splendid seat of His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, which is situate about four miles N. E. of Bakewell. The house is built in the ionic order, with a flat roof, surrounded by a neat balustrade; its form is nearly a square, of about 190 feet surrounding a spacious quadrangular court, having a fountain in the centre, surmounted by a Statue of Orpheus. The principal entrance, on the west is by a noble flight of steps to a terrace, the whole length of the building; the fronts which form the quadrangle are decorated with rich sculptures, representing military trophies.

The stone of which this edifice is built is of an excellent description, veined like marble; it was hewn out of the neighbouring quarries. Costly embellishments and extensive improvements are constantly going on at this princely seat. Mary, Queen of Scots, passed thirteen years of her long and melancholy captivity in the old house of Chatsworth, under the care of the Earl of Shrewsbury; and suites of apartments supposed to correspond in situation with those inhabited by that unfortunate Princess, are still called by her name: it was during her constrained residence at this place that she wrote her second letter to Pope Pius, dated the 31st October, 1570.

Here is a handsome church dedicated to St. Peter, the living is a peculiar in the gift of the Duke of Devonshire, the incumbent being chaplain to his Grace. An excellent school here, is principally supported by the Duke of Devonshire; to which every parishioner is entitled to send two children, who are taught (so soon as they can read the New Testament) free of expense, until they arrive at the rule of three. The 'Devonshire Arms' Inn, near to the lodge, is a house well conducted by Mr. William Walters, where every attention is paid to parties visiting this grand and romantic neighbourhood; from the Inn is a pleasant road to Chatsworth House, from which it is about a mile distant. Edensor-with-Chatsworth, and Pilsley hamlet, contained, at the last census, 703 inhabitants.

[Description from Pigot and Co's Commercial Directory for Derbyshire, 1835
Transcribed by Rosemary Lockie ©1999]

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