Chatsworth

The Chapel

A Picture of the 'Chapel'

The Chapel was built between 1688 and 1693 and has remained unaltered ever since. If the 1st Duke could return to Chatsworth he would immediately recognise his creation. Laguerre and Ricard painted the walls and ceilings with scenes from the life of Christ, restored by Pauline Plummer and her team 1985-88. Verrio painted Doubting Thomas over the alter. The two large flanking figures were executed by Cibber, the designer of the whole. Samuel Watson and his assistants from London carved the alter-piece of local alabaster. The lime wood carvings are traditionally ascribed to Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721) and could have been sent up from London.

The four black marble columns were hewn from a single block quarried on Sheldon Moor, a few miles away. The strong smell comes from the cedar wainscot, and not from incense as many people think. Hanging from the gallery is the Garter Banner of the 10th Duke (1895-1950) from the chapel of the Order, St. George's Chapel, Windsor. The pair of huge brass candlesticks was bought for £60 in London in 1691. The needlework seats and backs of the tall chairs were worked in gros point for 6th Duke by friends and relations whose names are painted on them. The sister of the present (11th) Duke, Lady Anne Cavendish was married in the Chaple to Mr. Michael Tree in 1949.