Parched Grass Reveals ‘Lost’ 17th Century Garden
Heatwave Unearths Hidden Design at Chatsworth Estate
Ninoda.com – Unseasonal warmth and drought have transformed the landscape at Chatsworth Estate, exposing the remnants of a 17th-century garden once hidden beneath the south lawn. The Great Parterre, a formal garden created in 1699, has become visible again as temperatures soared above 30°C in May, June, and July. This marks the third time in recent years the garden has emerged, following similar discoveries in 2018 and 2022.
The Great Parterre, spanning 473ft (144m) by 227ft (69m), was designed to match the grandeur of the newly constructed south facade of Chatsworth House. It reflects the European-style garden trends of the era. However, by the 1730s, William Cavendish—the third Duke of Devonshire—had replaced the original layout with a new design, burying the intricate flowerbeds and pathways beneath fresh turf.
“The grass laid over the old garden has shorter roots, making it more susceptible to drying out during heatwaves. This creates a striking contrast, allowing the swirling patterns of the first Duke’s design to briefly surface,” said a spokesperson for the estate.
Historians and garden enthusiasts have long studied the site, with an engraving from 1709 by Knyff and Kip providing a glimpse of the Great Parterre’s former glory. The recent exposure has reignited interest in the estate’s layered history, offering a rare chance to see the 17th-century layout before it is fully covered once more.
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