Chatsworth

The Grotto

A Picture of the 'Grotto'

The Grotto supports the Great Stairs above.

It was built to contain the lowest flight of stairs, moved, on second thoughts, to the Painted Hall. Because it was so dark and dreary, the 1st Duke decided on its elaborate decoration. The bas-relief of Diana Bathing above the fountain on the south wall was bought in 1692. Its marble frame and basin below it, the swags of flowers in Roche Abbey stone and the Garter Stars in the ceiling were all carved by Samuel Watson.

The showcases contain gifts received by the present Duke and Duchess on official occasions, and decorations bestowed on Mary Duchess of Devonshire (1895-1988) when she was Mistress of the Robes to Her Majesty the Queen from 1953 to 1966.

Returning through the Painted Hall you pass a group of marble busts, most of which are Roman, 1st-3rd century A.D.