Revolution House
Type:Museum
Old Whittington
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S41 9JZ
About
It was the dark year 1688 when rumour and unrest muttered up and down the country and James II sat uneasily on the throne of England.
On bleak and windswept Whittington Moor stood an alehouse called the Cock and Pynot (a dialect word for magpie). Through the rain, three horsemen rode to this remote place, stepped inside and started plotting to overthrow the King.
These men were the Earl of Devonshire from nearby Chatsworth, the Earl of Danby, and John D’Arcy (son of the Earl of Holderness). Between them, they raised support in the North and Midlands, and planned to offer the Crown to James’ daughter Mary and her Dutch husband William.
William and Mary landed at Torbay in November 1688. The country rose in support and James fled to France. The Revolution was over, but the alehouse in the suburb of Whittington still stands, with its thatched roof and flower border, and its intriguing name – Revolution House.
Today, Revolution House has a display of 17th Century furniture and a video on the Revolution of 1688.
The House opens for the summer season on Good Friday and is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays to 18 September 2022.
The House also opens at Christmas with traditional decorations, flower displays and a carol concert.
There is disabled access to ground floor only, scroll down the page to view our full Accessibility Guide.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Entry to the house is free.
Please make a donation if you can
Awards
- Other Awards
Self-assessed Accessibility Information 2020
- Visit England
VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2019
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access - Wheelchair access to first floor. Scroll down the page to see our full Accessibility Guide.
Children
- Children welcome
Parking
- Free Parking - On street parking available
Property Facilities
- Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
- Gift shop
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- Welcome Host
Target Markets
- Accepts groups - Maximum in party 10
Opening Times
Season (15 Apr 2022 - 18 Sept 2022) | ||
---|---|---|
Day | Times | |
Monday - Friday | Closed | |
Saturday - Sunday | 11:00 | - 16:00 |
Bank Holiday | 11:00 | - 16:00 |
TripAdvisor

- Excellent37
- Very Good20
- Average5
- Poor0
- Terrible0
Recent Reviews:
- dick hDerby, United KingdomA boutique museum with a bucket load of historySaturday, 21st December 2019We didn't know what to expect, and we were charmed by this little step back into an important part of Britains history. The lady who was the guide was extremely pleasant, informative and... Read full review
- eviewalters130199Dronfield, United KingdomTrip Type:Solo travelEducationalSunday, 12th January 2020Lovely little visit. Just moved near the area so popped in by coincidence and it was lovely! Decorated for Christmas and the lady was lovely. Read full review
- U5082RUandybChesterfield, United KingdomTrip Type:Solo travelHistoricalSaturday, 30th January 2021A little cottage in the village of Old Whittington Chesterfield with historic importance .used to be an old inn Read full review
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From North/South Leave M1 motorway at junction 29 and follow A617 to Chesterfield (approx 4 miles). At roundabout select right hand lane and take 4th exit (A61). At traffic light controlled roundabout (Tesco) take 2nd exit (A61). At next roundabout (J E James Cycles) select right hand lane and take 4th exit (B6025, signposted Eckington). Continue up hill for approx ½ mile and turn left onto Church Street North. Then turn right into High Street. Revolution House on left.
From East Follow A617 to M1 motorway junction, then follow route from North/South.
From West Follow A619 to Chesterfield. At traffic light controlled roundabout (Matalan) select middle lane and take 3rd exit. Keep in left lane and at traffic lights go straight on. At roundabout select middle lane and take 2nd exit (A632). Turn immediately left into slip road to A61 (signposted Sheffield). At traffic light controlled roundabout (Tesco) take 2nd exit (A61), then follow route from North/South.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest train station - Chesterfield (3 miles)
Bus numbers 25, 25A, 50 and 50A from New Beetwell Street or Cavendish Street in Chesterfield town centre to the Bull's Head.