This cascade which was built for the 1st Duke of Devonshire is spectacular. A sign by the side of the temple at the top of the cascade provides some interesting information about both the cascade and the garden’s water features:
This cascade was built for the 1st Duke of Devonshire by a French engineer, Grillet, and completed in 1703. Each step is different to the one below and above it, to vary the sound of the falling water. The temple was designed by Thomas Archer. Water can be made to flow over the roof and out of 13 spouts, including the mouths of the stone dolphins, and there are even hidden jets in the floor. The temple and the Cascade were restored between 1994-96.
All the waterworks in the garden are gravity-fed, with water piped from man-made lakes 400 feet higher than the house, above the slope behind the garden. Water from the bottom of the Cascade is used twice more in it’s decent to the river – in the seahorse fountain on the south lawn and a fountain in the private west garden. No water is pumped back up the hill, so in a dry spell we restrict the hours the waterworks play.
The second photo is from a previous visit in 2003. This time I couldn’t get a clear view to take a photograph looking up from the bottom of the Cascade due to the large number of people paddling and a temporary sculpture that was installed near to the bottom of the Cascade. More on the sculpture later…
Very refreshing. Had I been there, I would have walked in the water. Now back to my own little lake in the wood, for a few more days. Just visit one, or two blogs when I come to the village. I’m happy I saw The Cascade. It’s lovely!
Your lake in the wood sounds lovely and peaceful. Enjoy
The cascade is marvellous. I have only ever seen it on tv though
If you get the chance it is well worth a visit.
I remember visiting with my boys on a very hot day in summer 2002 (I think).
They loved paddling in the cascade
Paddling in the cascade is a very popular pastime
Thanks, CP. Never seen it before.
Lovely.
Glad you like it
OMG, Cherie. Astrid and I just visited this place in April. I recognized it immediately. Thanks for the memory!
I will be posting some things from there soon that you won’t have seen when you were there
Good pics, CP. I will go and see these great water features.
Give yourself plenty of time there is a lot to see
It is lovely there and that cascade is amazing.
I love the water feature by the house too, great images!
The large water fountain in front of the house fascinates me
I am glad you have enjoyed the images.