The old stables at Calke Abbey are a complex of buildings with a rich history. The stately brick stables were built in 1712-1716 by William Gilkes of Burton. The riding school was likely added between 1730 and 1770 by Joseph Pickford. The stable block consists of four ranges around a courtyard and features a two-story structure, a moulded stone plinth, chamfered quoins, and a hipped Welsh slate roof.
An outer stable block, (photo above) including stables, a barn, and a smithy, was constructed in the early 19th century, with the smithy potentially dating back to 1761. The smithy retains much of its original machinery, including the bellows.
The Carriage House at Calke Abbey
The south elevation of the carriage house has a clock face in the pediment, and the weather vane is a replacement from 1750. The interior includes late 18th-century stalls and fireproof construction with iron and brick vaults. The brewhouse in the east range retains some of its original machinery.
The Stable Yard at Calke Abbey
The above photograph showcases the Stable Yard at Calke Abbey, a spacious and functional complex of red brick buildings surrounding a central courtyard. The surrounding stables are simple and utilitarian. A tower rises above the stables, topped by a weather vane, adding a touch of architectural detail. Overall, the photograph captures the functional beauty of the Stable Yard, highlighting its simple, symmetrical design and its well-preserved state.
The Gamekeepers Cottage at Calke Abbey
The Gamekeeper’s Cottage (seen above) at Calke Abbey is located beside the Riding School. It has been left to decline and looks like it hasn’t been touched since the National Trust acquired Calke Abbey in the late 1980s. The cottage apparently has gunshot holes from when the gamekeeper and Sir Vauncey used to practice their aim. There are hooks in the ceiling where the gamekeeper would hang his kills. Sir Vauncey’s only confidant was his head gamekeeper, Agathos Pegg, who regularly accompanied him on shooting expeditions.
The Fire Engine at Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey houses a fascinating collection of carriages and vehicles in the Stable Yard, including the estate’s own hand-pump fire engine. This fire engine is a Newsham engine, a type that dominated the fire engine market in England in the early 18th century. Richard Newsham patented fire engines in 1721 and 1725. His engines featured two single-acting pistons and an air vessel within the tank forming the machine’s frame.
A Miscellanea at Calke Abbey Stables
This first photo captures a cluttered stable interior at Calke Abbey, filled with historical artifacts. Large stone wheels dominate the foreground, while a trough sits centrally. Assorted tools and machinery are scattered throughout, including a blue frame, a metal grinder, rakes, forks, a stool, and a small cabinet. The walls are rough and worn, with peeling paint, adding to the rustic charm. The overall scene offers a glimpse into the working life of the stables, showcasing the tools and equipment used in the past.
The second photo captures a dimly lit, brick-floored room, a storage area within the stables at Calke Abbey. Two carts, one with red accents and the other a simpler wooden frame, stand side-by-side. One of the carts is inscribed “Vauncey Harper Crewe, Calke Abbey, Derbyshire, 1901”. To the right, a wooden box bears the inscription “KENYA PRODUCE OF”. Long, rough-hewn wooden poles lean against the left wall, adding to the rustic atmosphere. The room’s brick walls and ceiling are weathered, hinting at its age.
The third photo showcases a collection of aged tools and equipment within Calke Abbey’s stables. Blue, wheelbarrows of differing sizes. Wooden frames and planks are scattered about, suggesting disassembled structures or repairs in progress. Long, weathered poles lean against the walls, hinting at agricultural use. A rustic wooden wheel lies on its side, and a metal chain hangs nearby. The varied collection evokes a sense of historical disarray, preserving the working character of the stables.