CALKE ABBEY, A NATIONAL TRUST GEM OR NOT? YOU DECIDE!
Calke Abbey, situated near Ticknall in Derbyshire, England, holds a rich and multifaceted history spanning centuries. Originally established as Calke Priory in the 12th century, it was founded by Richard d'Avranches, 2nd Earl of Chester, sometime between 1115 and 1120. Initially dedicated to St. Giles, Calke Priory served as an Augustinian priory, forming part of the vast estates inherited by d'Avranches.
Over time, the priory's fortunes fluctuated, with periods of relative prosperity and obscurity. By the 16th century, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, Calke Priory faced dissolution, with its fate becoming entangled in legal and familial disputes.
John Preste, a Master Grocer of London, secured a lease for Calke Priory in 1537, seeking to safeguard its future. However, the priory's ownership changed hands multiple times due to inheritances, marriages, and legal battles.
In 1622, Sir Henry Harpur, 1st Baronet, purchased the estate, marking the beginning of the Harpur family's association with Calke Abbey. The Harpurs, descendants of successful lawyers and judges, significantly influenced the development and history of the estate.
The transformation of Calke Priory into Calke Abbey began in the early 18th century when Sir John Harpur, 4th Baronet, rebuilt the house between 1701 and 1704, giving it its distinctive Baroque appearance. The Tudor manor formed the core of the new structure, with subsequent additions and alterations reflecting changing architectural tastes.
The Harpur family continued to occupy Calke Abbey for generations, with notable individuals such as Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe, the 10th and last baronet, leaving their mark on the estate. However, financial challenges, including death duties and inheritance issues, eventually led to the transfer of Calke Abbey to the National Trust in 1985.
The Tudor manor forms the core of the house that exists today, and parts are still visible within the house's courtyard. Little was known about how Calke Manor looked until repair work on the current house was undertaken by the National Trust in 1988. The house was built around a courtyard with the south range serving as the entrance front, with a gatehouse; two projections in the foundations at the northeast and northwest reveal the locations of 2 stair-turrets. The work also revealed a later 17th-century arcaded loggia which were built next to both the stair-turrets. The east and west ranges of this house were not parallel; something that has distinctly affected the shape and layout of the current house. This discrepancy could either reflect the different phases of construction within the Tudor house or the layout and alignment of the walls of the original priory buildings.
To the side of the house is a large quadrangle of buildings forming the old stable yard and farm, complete with old carriages and farm implements. The outbuildings incorporate a brewhouse that is linked to the main house by a tunnel.
Set in the midst of a landscape park, Calke Abbey is presented by the National Trust as an illustration of the English country house in decline. At its time of endowment, there had been little change to many rooms since the 1880s. A massive amount of remedial work but no restoration has been done and interiors are almost as they were found in 1985, so the decay of the building and its interiors has been halted but not reversed.
Today, Calke Abbey stands as a testament to centuries of history, showcasing architectural evolution, social change, and the enduring legacy of the Harpur family. Managed by the National Trust, it welcomes visitors to explore its historic rooms, gardens, and parkland, offering a glimpse into the past of this remarkable English country house.
Music
Virdant Vilvaldi by Oleksii Holubiev
Inspiring Cinema Ambient by Beautiful Plays
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