Revolution House
Revolution House in Old Whittington is a small but symbolically powerful museum, set inside a 17th‑century cottage where a pivotal moment in British history unfolded. In 1688, three local leaders—Earl of Devonshire, Earl of Danby and John D’Arcy—met here to plan support for William of Orange, an act that helped trigger the Glorious Revolution and ultimately reshape the monarchy and Parliament. The building, once a humble alehouse known as the Cock and Pynot, preserves the atmosphere of that clandestine gathering. Inside, visitors can explore rooms furnished in late‑Stuart style, with oak settles, pewterware and domestic objects that evoke everyday life in the 1600s. Displays explain the political tensions of the era, the significance of the revolution and how a quiet Derbyshire village became linked to national change. Portraits, maps and interpretive panels help place the meeting in its wider historical context. A highlight is the recreated meeting room, where the three conspirators are said to have discussed their plans. The cottage’s low beams, stone floors and intimate scale make the story feel immediate and human. Outside, a small garden and the surrounding village add to the sense of stepping back in time. Though modest in size, Revolution House offers a compelling glimpse into one of Britain’s defining constitutional turning points.
Old Whittington United Kingdom
Revolution House is a charming seventeenth-century thatched cottage located in the quiet village of Old Whittington, just a few miles north of Chesterfield in Derbyshire, England. The full address for the historic site is High Street, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9JZ, United Kingdom. Originally operating as an alehouse called the Cock and Pynot, it became famous in British history after hosting a secret meeting in 1688 where local conspirators planned the overthrow of King James II. Today, the building serves as a small, free local history museum showcasing period furnishings and historic exhibits. The surrounding Derbyshire countryside and nearby towns feature several major heritage attractions to visit. Just a short drive to the east stands Bolsover Castle, an impressive Stuart mansion and fortress set on a high ridge with dramatic turrets and decorated rooms. Heading west toward the Peak District brings you to Chatsworth House, one of Britain's grandest stately homes, famous for its massive art collections, historic state rooms, and sprawling landscaped gardens. A few miles south in central Chesterfield, visitors can see the Church of St Mary and All Saints, widely known for its iconic crooked and twisting spire. Another nearby Elizabethan landmark is Hardwick Hall, a grand sixteenth-century prodigy house built by Bess of Hardwick that features massive glass windows and rare tapestries.