Postcard of Chatsworth House

This tinted photograph shows Chatsworth House, the home of the Dukes of Devonshire, viewed across the bridge over the River Derwent.

Sir William Cavendish started construction of the house in 1552, but he died in 1557 before the house was finished. His widow, Bess of Hardwick completed the building work, and bequeathed the house to her son, Henry Cavendish. Henry sold the house to his younger brother William, who became the 1st Earl of Devonshire in 1618. In 1694, the fourth Earl of Devonshire was elevated to become the first Duke of Devonshire. By 1707, the house had been rebuilt in the new Classical style. The new facade completely concealed the Elizabethan exterior, but retained many of the Elizabethan interior walls. The Library and North Wing were added by the 6th Duke between 1790 and 1858.