The Ticknall Tramway and Limeyards offer a fascinating glimpse into the industrial past of this South Derbyshire village. Built in the late 18th century, the tramway was a pioneering horse-drawn railway used to transport limestone. This valuable resource was quarried from the nearby limeyards, a hive of activity where stone was processed into lime for … Read more
Beyond the manicured flowerbeds and productive kitchen gardens lies a fascinating network of spaces essential to maintaining Calke Abbey’s horticultural beauty. The Gardeners’ Bothy, a humble yet vital structure, provided a place for the team to rest and plan their work. A ‘secret tunnel’, though perhaps not entirely hidden, offered a practical route for transporting … Read more
The gardens at Calke Abbey offer a captivating glimpse into the estate’s rich horticultural heritage. The kitchen garden, with its aged walls and weathered glasshouses, evokes a sense of faded grandeur. The flower garden bursts with vibrant, seasonal blooms, while the tranquil physic garden reveals a fascinating collection of medicinal plants once used for healing. … Read more
Pleasure grounds are ornamental gardens or landscaped areas designed for leisurely enjoyment, often found around stately homes, country estates, or grand houses. They were particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, influenced by the English landscape garden movement. Unlike formal gardens, which were symmetrical and highly manicured, pleasure grounds were typically more naturalistic and … Read more
The brewhouse tunnel at Calke Abbey offers a fascinating glimpse into the estate’s historical workings. This subterranean passage connects the brewhouse to the main house, a testament to the practicalities of a self-sufficient estate. Its construction speaks to the desire to move goods, in this case, likely brewed beverages, discreetly and efficiently. The tunnel’s existence … Read more
St Giles’ Church, nestled within Calke Abbey’s grounds, offers a serene historical glimpse into the past. Originally a parish church for the village of Calke between 1160 and 1834, it’s now a private chapel. Notably, St Giles was a ‘peculiar’, exempt from the Bishop’s jurisdiction, a status abolished in the 1800s. The church today is … Read more
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 … Read more
The Ferrers Centre for Arts & Crafts, located in the beautiful setting of Staunton Harold, is a hub for creativity and heritage. Housed in historic stable buildings, it features independent artisan workshops, galleries, and a tearoom. Visitors can explore handmade crafts, fine art, and bespoke gifts while enjoying the charm of this inspiring creative community. … Read more
The Smithy in Calke Abbey offers a glimpse into the estate’s working past. Once needed to keep farm equipment, tools, and horseshoes in good repair, the ancient forge is fitted out with original bellows, an anvil, and a much-worked hearth. Look inside and imagine the smell, noise, and sensation of the blacksmith’s work, where iron … Read more
Ticknall, nestled in South Derbyshire, is a village steeped in history. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, it flourished as an estate village serving Calke Abbey. Its past is rich with industry, from lime quarries to potteries, leaving a legacy of heritage. Today, Ticknall offers a peaceful retreat with its historic architecture and scenic surroundings. Visitors … Read more