The Maze

Chatsworth gardens were once home to the largest glasshouse in England. Built in 1840 Paxton's conservatory was the forerunner to Crystal Palace and measured 84 by 37 metres and reached a height of 19 metres. The main thoroughfare through it was wide enough for two carriages to pass. The tender and exotic trees were kept at the correct temperature by 8 coal fired boilers. Unfortunately by the end of the First World War it had fallen into disrepair and was demolished in 1920. Today there are far more modest glasshouses around the gardens including a three zone display greenhouse of which this picture shows the interior.

Amongst other tender plants and flowers this passionflower grows in the temperate zone.

The walls of the old conservatory still exists and are now part of a garden that houses the maze.

 

The maze was planted in the 1960's and consisted of 1209 yew trees. It is still a popular attraction today and many people were wandering through it searching for the centre. We made a few wrong turnings but got there in the end.

Student daughter took these pictures over the tops of the hedges from the centre.

Whilst we were there a small plane flew over giving a possible solution to No. 4 of the hunt Wings.

There are flower beds and other features around the maze including this human sundial.

And the hundred steps with a monkey puzzle tree in its path.

  

Nearby to the north east of the old conservatory site is the coal hole and tunnel. Coal was brought in to feed the hungry boilers by horse drawn carts. Their route was to enter the gardens near the stables and follow a path under the cascade to the coal hole. It was then transported in smaller quantities by means of an underground railway to the boilers. 

 

 

When the conservatory was taken down the tunnel was blocked with debris. It was excavated and cleared in 2002. The rails were removed and lighting and handrails installed so that in 2003 it was opened to the public. Something new since our last visit. There is still more to show you but it will be another day for that.