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Welbeck history
Welbeck has been home to the Cavendish family since 1606 when Bess of Hardwick’s third son, Charles Cavendish, bought it. Bess was a serial wife and widow who became one of the richest women in England after Queen Elizabeth 1st. Her wealth came from four financially advantageous marriages and each husband's death brought her property and income. Her second son, William, was inherited Chatsworth Old Hall and he and his brother Charles owned most of the countryside from here at Welbeck, through Bolsover to Chatsworth.
The most famous Cavendish ancestor from Welbeck is William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Portland. A Victorian recluse, the Duke spent his time and wealth at Welbeck, creating a network of underground tunnels beneath the Estate as well as many new houses and buildings including his own gasworks. The Harley Gallery is built on that very site and the large circular features in the garden are a reminder of the original gasometers.
Today Welbeck remains a working, agricultural estate of approximately 15,000 acres. It is not open to the public, but visitors are welcome at the Harley Gallery and Cafe and the Welbeck Farm Shop. From the Gallery you can walk through the Estate to Creswell Crags, an important prehistoric limestone gorge - ask at the Gallery Desk for a leaflet and map.