Chatsworth reopens with House of Stories: Tales from the Chatsworth Library exhibition containing first and early editions from Geoffrey Chaucer, Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë and Oscar Wilde
Chatsworth House, garden and farmyard is reopening for the 2026 season on March 21, immersing visitors in a celebration of literature to mark the National Year of Reading.
This year’s exhibition, House of Stories: Tales from the Chatsworth Library, brings together treasured items from the Chatsworth Library and archive for the first time.
From annotated first editions and original manuscripts to letters, scrapbooks and drawings, House of Stories invites visitors to view Britain’s literary history from a different perspective, uncovering fresh inspiration within one of its most remarkable libraries. First and early editions on display include works by some of the nation’s most renowned authors, from Geoffrey Chaucer, Alexander Pope and Jane Austen to Charlotte Brontë, Oscar Wilde and T.E. Lawrence.
Exhibition highlights include a first edition of Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, believed to have been part of Duchess Georgiana’s collection (1757–1806), and a complete manuscript of Ben Jonson’s Pleasure Reconciled to Virtue, performed for King James I at court in 1618.
The exhibition also explores the Devonshire family’s own creative writing, from Duchess Georgiana’s poetry and plays to the tradition begun by the 6th Duke of documenting the legacy and history of Chatsworth.
In the National Year of Reading – a UK-wide campaign by the Department for Education aimed at encouraging reading in everyday life – Chatsworth is rolling out an events programme. This includes sessions such as Chatsworth in Seven Objects on May 12, which takes a deep dive into Chatsworth’s fascinating history through items from the Devonshire Collections, alongside hands-on workshops where visitors can learn new skills – from creating a personalised Ex Libris book stamp to bookbinding and mono printing from nature.
Chatsworth’s hugely popular Celebrating Jane Austen: Regency Festival will return from June 12 to 14, offering a varied range of activities each day from live theatre performances and Regency Afternoon Tea served in the Old Duke’s Glasshouse to dressing up opportunities, and expert talks and workshop,
To complement this year’s focus on literature and the benefits of reading, Chatsworth will also host a selection of wellness events, helping visitors to immerse themselves in nature, from Cascade Flow Yoga and Forest Bathing in Stand Wood to the brand-new Chatsworth Wellness Festival on June 27-28.
Annual favourites also return, including the Country Fair, Family Festival and the spectacular Christmas experience and market.
Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House Trust, said: "For five centuries, Chatsworth has been a home of literary inspiration, and we’re thrilled to be opening up this history to our visitors in 2026.
“The Chatsworth House Trust charity cares for these works of national significance throughout the year, and each one holds key insights into the world of our most loved and famous authors and writers – from a first edition of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice to letters from Charles Dickens. The National Year of Reading is all about encouraging reading across generations, so what better time to share the stories of the Chatsworth Library with our visitors to foster a love of literature – and to inspire the next generation of authors along the way.”
For more information on the events being held at Chatsworth throughout the next 12 months, visit the website: www.chatsworth.org/events