OUT & ABOUT An unusual view of Chatsworth House, from the Hunting Tower. Picture by Elizabeth Haynes.
A WALK WHICH INSPIRED A CLASSIC NOVEL J
ANE AUSTEN declared that there was no finer county in England than Derbyshire. No surprise then that she chose Chatsworth House as the inspiration for her most famous – and unlikely – love match. Austen first visited Chatsworth while staying in nearby Bakewell in 1811. At the time she was working on the novel which later became known as Pride and
Prejudice. Her impressions are not recorded. But in a famous passage from the novel she describes how Elizabeth Bennet came upon Pemberley, home of the wealthy and hitherto disagreeable Mr Darcy: ‘They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught
by Pemberley House situated on the opposite side of the valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound.’ If that description sounds familiar to lovers of the real-life Chatsworth, so too is Elizabeth’s reaction: ‘She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste.’ The magnificent pile works its magic on our heroine and the visit to Darcy’s country home with her aunt and uncle proves to be the turning point in the book’s central relationship. From that point on and against all expectations, Elizabeth Left: This walk follows the River Derwent past Chatsworth House – and you may be lucky enough to spot some deer. Picture by Simon Hampton.
86 Reflections February 2024
is destined to become Mrs Darcy, mistress of Pemberley. Chatsworth House (which is mentioned by name in the book) is, of course, the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has been in the Cavendish family since Bess of Hardwick settled there in 1549. Setting off from Calton Lees, our walk takes in a stroll through the estate along the River Derwent and up through Edensor village, before ascending to admire the view described by Austen in Pride and Prejudice.
ROUTE S F rom Calton Lees car park return to and cross the main road at the cattle grid, following the path alongside the River Derwent past Chatsworth House until you reach a bridge. To advertise call 01246 550488