Messages at Chatsworth

A series of poignant messages have been discovered at Chatsworth, carved into the woodwork by the men who built the house, protesting at the hardships they endured.

The messages were found during a £32 million, 10-year repair programme at the 17thcentury building.

Workmen discovered a plank in the South Sketch Gallery, on which were carved the names of three of the building’s original craftsmen, along with an account of the political battles of the day and their thoughts on the controversial Corn Laws.

It ends with the impassioned cry: “This winter will be a severe one. So down with the Tory rascals.”