Lion statue, Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Chatsworth House is the seat of the Dukes of Devonshire and arguably the best known of Derbyshire’s county houses. It is often referred to as the jewel in the crown of the Peak District.

The two lion sculptures at Chatsworth were commissioned by the 6th Duke of Devonshire in 1823, and were copies of those originally made for the Rezzonico Monument in St. Peters, Rome. The the sleeping lion was made by Rinaldo Rinaldi. The Crouching Lion was made by Francesco Benaglia.

Chatsworth House is a Grade I listed house and stables, a 105-acre garden, and 1,822-acre park. It has been home to sixteen generations of the Devonshire family for nearly five centuries. William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Devonshire, made substantial changes to the original house in the 18th century.

The house has been used as a location for many films including Pride and Prejudice (2005) and The Duchess (1998) both starring Keira Knightley.