Chatsworth at Christmas: Festive story commissioned to delight visitors this winter

People heading to Chatsworth in the next few weeks are in for a treat as an original new festive story has been commissioned from multi-award-winning author and former children’s laureate Joseph Coelho, which is being told in scenes and experiences throughout the 20 rooms open to the public.

Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast has been inspired by Chatsworth and the life and work of Henry Cavendish, the eminent eighteenth-century scientist and grandson of the second Duke of Devonshire. The magical tale tells the story of young Henry who discovers a little lion character, based on the two giant lion sculptures in Chatsworth’s Sculpture Gallery, before they set off on an adventure to find a delicious Christmas feast – with a mischievous menace of mice along the way.

Visitors of all ages will be able to spot the characters including the menace of mischievous mice hiding along the route, carrying food to the feast. Pop up theatres, which have been crafted in partnership with London’s oldest toymakers, Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, will bring the story’s illustrations to life, whilst a collaboration with fragrance experts will immerse visitors in their favourite festive scents along the way.

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The plot was inspired by the author's visits to Chatsworth at Christmas. He was given access to a wealth of research on Henry Cavendish’s scientific endeavours, including his famous weighing the world experiment in which he used steel balls and a balancing system to see how each was attracted to the other.

Mr Coelho said: “From my first visit to Chatsworth, I was struck by its impressive nature, which took my breath away as I came over the hill and set eyes on the house. I knew I had to incorporate this wonderful history and culture into the story, and using the incredible experiments of Henry Cavendish provided an entryway for me to do so.

"I’ve always been inspired by the magic of children’s imaginations, whether it’s picking up pebbles on a beach or asking those strange questions that adults daren’t, and I think it’s so important for them to have places like Chatsworth, which are full of art and history to encourage them to broaden their horizons."

The celebration continues in the garden with an illuminated light trail culminating in a new projection by Derbyshire-based digital artists Illuminos, inspired by Vivien Mildenberger’s book illustrations.

Susie Stokoe, Chatsworth head of textiles said: "2024 has been a celebration of childhood at Chatsworth in which we’ve been encouraging visitors to look at things from different perspectives. Joseph’s novel is the perfect culmination of this theme, from taking on the view of the brave little lion to the visionary thinking of Henry Cavendish."

More information about the Christmas experience, other festive events and ticket details can be found online by clicking here.

Every penny generated by ticket sales and membership goes directly to the Chatsworth House Trust charity, which is dedicated to looking after the house, collections, garden, and parkland, for everyone.