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 agricultural and building purposes. The remnants of both the tramway and the limeyards provide a tangible link to a time of significant industrial development in the region. Exploring these sites reveals the ingenuity and hard labour that shaped the landscape and local communities.

Ticknall Limeyards in the 1800s

The image depicts the Ticknall Limeyards in their bustling heyday, a stark contrast to their present state. The scene is dominated by numerous circular lime kilns, their tops glowing with intense heat and emitting plumes of smoke, visually confirming the text’s description: “Imagine the smoke, grime and dust filling the air…” Workers are shown actively tending to the kilns, some shovelling material while others oversee the burning process. A horse-drawn tramway, a key element of the Ticknall industrial landscape, snakes through the yard, transporting raw limestone or finished lime. The text further explains, “The structures before you are the old lime kilns. They were used to burn crushed limestone using coal as a fuel.” The illustration vividly brings to life the text’s account of the kilns working “24 hours a day,” highlighting the intense industrial activity that once characterised this location.

Ticknall Limeyards Today

Looking at the photo above, the Ticknall Limeyards today present a tranquil scene, a stark contrast to the industrial activity depicted in the earlier image. The landscape is now dominated by greenery, with trees and vegetation reclaiming much of the site. The remnants of the lime kilns are still visible, appearing as moss-covered stone structures, partially collapsed and overgrown. The tramway lines are no longer present, and the overall impression is one of nature gradually absorbing the industrial past.

Ticknall Limeyards and the National Trust

The Ticknall Limeyards are owned and managed by the National Trust, as they are part of the wider Calke Abbey estate. The National Trust’s philosophy for managing industrial heritage sites like this generally leans towards conservation that acknowledges the site’s history without necessarily aiming for full restoration. They often prioritise stabilisation to prevent further decay and make the sites safe for visitors, while also allowing nature to take its course to a certain extent.

The focus is often on interpretation, helping visitors understand the site’s past and its significance. This can involve information panels, guided walks, and sometimes carefully managed access to certain areas. In the case of Ticknall Limeyards, which are also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their geological importance and the presence of calcareous grassland and orchids, the National Trust’s management would also prioritise ecological conservation. This means balancing the preservation of the industrial remains with the need to protect and enhance the natural environment that has developed there.

Therefore, the Limeyards are likely managed to be safe and accessible for visitors to explore, with information provided about their history. The visible ruins are preserved to prevent further collapse, but there’s likely no attempt to rebuild or recreate the industrial processes that once took place. Instead, the site is presented as a historical landscape where nature and industry have intertwined, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

Blackwater Pit at Ticknall Limeyards

Blackwater Pit at Ticknall Limeyards reveals the area’s industrial past. Its steep limestone sides show how deeply it was quarried. A historical photo featured in Ticknall Life captures a stone-crushing machine once used here. The article by Bryan Smith is well worth a read and includes a map of the area pinpointing the different limeyards. Over time, the pit flooded, transforming into a tranquil water-filled basin. Today, it is surrounded by woodland, with wildlife thriving around its clear, reflective waters. Walkers explore the scenic trails, passing remnants of lime kilns and tramways that once powered the local industry.

Ticknall Tramway

The Ticknall Tramway was a pioneering horse-drawn railway constructed in the late 18th century, primarily to transport limestone from the quarries and limeyards around Ticknall to the Ashby Canal. This was a crucial link in the transportation network, facilitating the distribution of lime for agricultural and building purposes across the wider region.

Raw limestone was transported from the quarries to the limeyards for processing, and then the burnt lime was moved to the canal for onward shipping. It also likely carried coal to fuel the lime kilns and potentially other goods related to the industrial activities in the area.

The tramway utilised wooden rails, later replaced with cast iron, upon which wagons were pulled by horses. The gauge of the track was 4 ft 2 in (1,270 mm). Horses would pull the loaded wagons along the track, providing a more efficient and faster method of transportation compared to traditional carts on roads. The incline of the terrain sometimes required multiple horses for heavier loads, and careful management was needed for descents.

The Route of the Ticknall Tramway

The main line of the tramway was approximately 12.8 miles (20.6 km) long. It stretched from the lime quarries and limeyards around Ticknall down to Willesley Basin on the Ashby Canal. Within the Ticknall area, there were various branches and sidings to serve different quarries and industrial sites. The route generally followed the contours of the land, utilising cuttings and embankments to maintain a relatively level track. While the main terminus was Willesley Basin, the tramway’s network was centred around Ticknall, connecting the various industrial activities to the canal system.

The post Ticknall Tramway and Limeyards appeared first on Photos of Calke and Beyond.

The humble crocus, a herald of spring, brings vibrant color to gardens as winter fades. These low-growing perennials burst forth with cup-shaped flowers in hues of purple, yellow, and white. Notably, Crocus sativus yields saffron, a prized spice. Crocuses are hardy, thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Their early blooms provide vital sustenance for pollinators, making them a welcome sight after winter’s slumber.

I spotted this vibrant display of crocuses as I headed off from Ticknall for a walk around Calke Abbey. They carpet the grass with shades of purple, white, and yellow. The flowers are bathed in sunlight, highlighting their delicate petals and rich colours. In the foreground, the textured bark of a sturdy tree trunk adds contrast to the scene, adding a sense of depth. The mix of colours and natural setting creates a bright and cheerful atmosphere, evoking the perfect spring day.

The post Crocuses at Ticknall appeared first on Photos of Calke and Beyond.

The daffodil, heralds warmer days with its vibrant yellow blooms. These trumpet-shaped flowers, often with a contrasting center, brighten gardens and woodlands. A symbol of rebirth, daffodils are hardy and resilient, thriving in various climates. Their sweet fragrance and sunny appearance lift spirits after winter’s gloom. From classic yellows to modern pinks and whites, daffodils offer a diverse palette, making them a beloved harbinger of the season.

As I was walking beside Stanton’s Wood near Ticknall I spotted these yellow beacons of spring. They may not be the first daffodils in bloom this year but they are certainly the first I have seen.

The post The First Daffodils of 2025 appeared first on Photos of Calke and Beyond.

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 can explore its three welcoming pubs, although one is currently closed. Take a wander through the village, and discover the nearby Calke Abbey, a National Trust treasure. The village beautifully blends its industrial past with the tranquillity of rural England.

Ticknall Village Hall Gardens

The gardens at Ticknall Village Hall offer a tranquil escape, blending formal and informal elements. Benches offer spots for quiet reflection amidst the greenery. Here we see the trees displaying their autumnal foliage in shades of gold and brown. They are dotted throughout the green lawn, casting long shadows in the late afternoon light. The gardens serve as a community hub, hosting events and providing a peaceful backdrop for village life.

The Commemorative Map of Ticknall

This commemorative map of Ticknall is displayed on a public information board at the village hall. The map is dedicated to the Ticknall men who served in the Great War (1914-1918) and marks the 100th anniversary of the war’s commencement. Various landmarks are marked and numbered.

Surrounding the map are small illustrations of these landmarks, each corresponding to a number on the map.

On the left and right sides of the map are a list of names, they are the men of Ticknall who served in the Great War. The bottom of the map shows the producer and map designer.

The Ticknall Lock-up

The Lock-up at Ticknall, shown as number 6 on the commemorative map is a small, conical-roofed brick structure with a single wooden door. It served as a temporary jail used to hold individuals for minor offenses before they were brought before a magistrate.

Ticknall Taps

Ticknall is known for its distinctive water spouts, also called Ticknall Taps. These were installed in 1914 by Sir Vauncey Harpur-Crewe to provide a public water supply. The decorative, green-painted cast iron taps feature a lion’s head design, with water emerging from the lion’s mouth. Originally fed by a wind pump and reservoir, they were in use until mains water arrived in 1962. Several of these historic taps can still be seen around the village today.

St George’s Church at Ticknall

St George’s Church in Ticknall is a Grade II listed parish church, built in 1842 by Henry Isaac Stevens, replacing an older church dedicated to St Thomas Becket. This Victorian Gothic style church features a west tower with a recessed spire, a common design in this region. Inside, you’ll find five-bay arcades with octagonal piers, a wheel window above the tower entrance, and stained glass by Morris & Co. The church also houses an incised alabaster slab to John Frances, a knight from around 1375.

Here we see the church on a sunny autumn day. The church, constructed from light-coloured stone, stands prominently against the clear blue sky. Its architectural features, including a tall, slender spire and arched windows, are clearly visible. The churchyard, with its neatly trimmed green lawn and scattered gravestones, surrounds the building, adding to the sense of history and tranquillity.

Chapel Street Ticknall

Chapel Street in Ticknall is a charming, historic street that reflects the village’s character. It’s lined with a mix of traditional buildings, often constructed from local brick or stone, giving it a cohesive and picturesque appearance. The street exudes a sense of tranquillity, typical of a rural English village. Mature trees and well-maintained gardens add to the street’s visual appeal.

The second image above captures a quaint, rustic stall set outside a cottage in Chapel Street, Ticknall, offering a variety of homemade goods. The stall, constructed from weathered wood with a light blue hue, features several shelves displaying jars of preserves, including jam, marmalade, and chutney. The overall scene conveys a sense of community, homemade goodness, and rustic appeal.

Ticknall Lodge

Ticknall Lodge, at Calke Abbey’s entrance, is a charming, historic gatehouse. Its stone structure and elegant design reflect the estate’s grandeur. Once a key point of access, it now welcomes visitors to Calke’s serene parkland. Notably, it’s also a National Trust holiday let, offering a unique stay within this historic setting, adding to the experience of exploring Calke Abbey.

The Arch – Ticknall’s Historic Bridge

The Arch, a historic bridge in Ticknall, stands as a testament to the village’s industrial past. This brick-built structure once carried the Ticknall Tramway, a horse-drawn line transporting limestone and lime across the main road. Its elegant curve and robust construction offer a glimpse into the region’s 18th and 19th-century mining heritage. Now a preserved landmark, The Arch serves as a reminder of Ticknall’s vital role in supplying materials for construction and agriculture.

The post Autumn in Ticknall appeared first on Photos of Calke and Beyond.

Ticknall, a charming village nestled in Derbyshire, England. It is renowned for its vibrant Scarecrow Festival. Each year, the village transforms into a whimsical wonderland, with many creatively crafted scarecrows adorning gardens, fields, and even rooftops. This unique community event attracts visitors from far and wide. They come to celebrate creativity, local talent, and the spirit of fun.

The Scarecrows

Homer Simpson

This first image captures a whimsical, life-sized scarecrow effigy of Homer Simpson. He is complete with his signature yellow skin, bulging eyes, and a slightly open mouth. He’s dressed in a white shirt, blue pants, and a red bandana, standing with outstretched arms. A “Duff” beer bottle rests at his feet, and a sign reads “31 Homer Simpson.”

ZZ Top

The second image features two whimsical scarecrow figures made of straw and dressed as ZZ Top. They are complete with dark suits, hats, sunglasses, and long, grey beards. Seated side-by-side, each of them are holding a toy electric guitar.

Elvis Presley

The third image depicts a life-sized effigy of Elvis Presley. He is posed in front of the Ticknall “lock-up,” possibly referencing the film “Jailhouse Rock.” The figure features a dark wig with a prominent pompadour, and is dressed in a striped shirt under a dark jacket, with pinstriped trousers and dark shoes. Straw accents are visible around the neck and wrists. The figure holds a microphone to its mouth in a singing pose.

Charlie Chaplin

The final image features a life-sized scarecrow figure dressed as Charlie Chaplin. The figure is wearing a dark bowler hat, a dark jacket over a light vest, and dark trousers. A white shirt with a dark tie is visible, and the figure’s face is painted with Chaplin’s signature moustache and eyebrow makeup. Purple gloves and a walking stick add to the Chaplin persona.

The post Ticknall Scarecrow Festival 2009 appeared first on Photos of Calke and Beyond.