Parched grass reveals 'lost' 17th Century garden
Summary
The dry and hot weather at Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire has revealed the outlines of a formal garden designed in 1699. Known as The Great Parterre, the garden's patterns have become visible again because the grass above burns faster in dry heat, exposing the old design hidden beneath newer landscaping from the 1730s.Key Facts
- The Great Parterre garden was designed in 1699 for the 1st Duke of Devonshire.
- It is located under the south lawn at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.
- The garden was covered over with new landscaping in the 1730s by the 3rd Duke of Devonshire.
- Recent hot weather with temperatures over 30°C and dry conditions revealed the garden’s outline.
- The garden’s flower beds and pathways are visible because the newer grass has shorter roots and dries out faster.
- Similar reveals happened during dry spells in 2022 and 2018.
- The garden was European-style, measuring about 144 meters by 69 meters.
- An old engraving from 1709 shows the original design of The Great Parterre.
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