Terrace With Statues To West Front Of Chatsworth House

The terrace with statues at the west front of Chatsworth House dates from the late 17th century, with alterations made in the mid-18th century by James Paine and around 1830 by Wyatville. It features coursed squared sandstone and ashlar construction. The terrace includes a raised walk along the west side of the house, which has an ashlar retaining wall divided by pilasters into bays with moulded panels and an iron balustrade.

At the center, there is a double flight return staircase, each flight having an intermediate landing. The lower landings feature round-arched niches with statues, while the center has a large round-arched doorway flanked by demi-columns with banded frostwork rustication, supporting a segmental pediment. Above, there is a parapet adorned with urns.

To the west, there is a raised formal garden laid out with parterres by Wyatville. The retaining wall has square piers that support statues of gladiators and urns, with terminal pedestals at the north-west and south-west corners. These pedestals, which survive from the late 17th-century gardens, have panelled sides with relief carving, moulded cornices, and statues of sphinxes carved by Cibber. The terrace is linked by an ashlar retaining wall with a balustraded parapet that is divided into bays and continues to the north and east, as well as to the south. To the south-east, there is an arch and a similar retaining wall leading to the south lawn. The gardens and park are included on the Gardens Register at Grade I.