TV Tuesday: Secrets Of Chatsworth (2013)

 

Secrets Of Chatsworth - 2013

Coming up next on this edition of TV Tuesday is the 2013 PBS special "Secrets Of Chatsworth".  This "Secrets of" show, which largely targeted American audiences, showcased different country estates throughout Britain and included any American links with them.  This one features Chatsworth, arguably the most famous country home in England.

We begin with an overview of the Chatsworth estate and are treated to some beautiful exterior and interior shots.

We are introduced to Peregrine Cavendish, the current Duke of Devonshire.  And he tells us about what it's like to live on such a great estate.

Next, we are shown around some of the features of the estate, including the magnificent interiors, the gardens, and the beautiful water features.

Georgiana Cavendish, a Duchess of Devonshire and probably the most famous resident of Chatsworth, is featured prominently for viewers.  Historians tells of her opulence, gambling, and feelings of isolation.  We are also shown a letter to her son written in her own blood.

We are also shown the house from the "downstairs" point of view.  The head housekeeper gives us a backstairs tour of the kitchens and how the staff got to and from the kitchens to the beautiful dining room.

Luise von Alten was another Duchess of Devonshire that we meet.  She is famously called the "Double Duchess" because she was first married to the Duke of Manchester.  She revived entertaining on a grand scale at Chatsworth.  Her parties were legendary as were her jewels.  Among her guests was the future King Edward VII.

And we wrap things up with an American link to Chatsworth.  Kathleen Kennedy, sister of JFK, was married to Billy Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington.  However, he was killed in WWII before he could inherit.  Kathleen became a widow after just a few months of marriage.  She died four years later in an airplane crash.

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