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 mainly the result of restoration by Sir George Crewe, 8th Baronet (1795-1844) between 1827-1829. Interwoven with the Calke estate’s history, it houses intricate family memorials, reflecting the Harpur-Crewe lineage. The church’s tranquil atmosphere and modest architecture provide a counterpoint to the abbey’s grandeur. Surrounded by the estate’s parkland, St Giles’ stands as a testament to centuries of local history and worship.

The photo above shows the main stained glass window in St Giles Church, Calke Abbey. It’s a vibrant, three-panel Victorian piece, featuring detailed religious scenes with figures in flowing robes. The central panel depicts a possible blessing or investiture, while the side panels show gatherings.

The window’s rich hues of red, blue, and yellow are characteristic of 19th-century stained glass. Geometric patterns and floral motifs surround the figurative scenes, adding to the window’s intricate design. The window is framed by a pointed arch and flanked by decorative stone carvings.

The above photo captures the serene interior of St Giles Church at Calke Abbey, offering a straight, eye-level view down the nave. The church’s simple elegance is evident in its light-coloured walls, punctuated by arched windows that allow soft daylight to filter in. A vibrant red carpet runs the length of the nave, contrasting with the pale stone floor and leading the eye towards the stained glass window at the far end.

Rows of wooden pews line either side, inviting contemplation. The ceiling, painted a calming blue with subtle detailing, adds a touch of colour to the otherwise understated space. A framed heraldic artwork on the left wall and a faded inscription on the right provide historical context. The overall impression is one of peaceful tranquillity, highlighting the church’s historical and spiritual significance.

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The Fish Pond at Staunton Harold

The Fish Pond on Staunton Harold Estate offered a beautiful composition on this particular Sunday afternoon. The soft winter light created an almost mirror-like reflection of the surrounding trees on the water’s surface. The subtle colours and textures of the landscape, along with the human element of the walkers in the distance, all came together to form this pleasing image. I was particularly drawn to the contrast between the bare branches of the deciduous trees and the dark foliage of the evergreens.

Staunton Harold Church

Staunton Harold Church, also known as the Church of the Holy Trinity, is a magnificent testament to 17th-century architecture. Bathed in sunlight, the warm, weathered stone of the tower contrasts beautifully with the vibrant green landscape and clear blue sky. Intricate details, from the arched windows to the crenelated rooftop, hint at the rich history within. A true gem amidst the rolling hills of Leicestershire. The church is under the care of the National Trust.

Church Pool at Staunton Harold

A magnificent Cedar of Lebanon dominates the landscape at Staunton Harold’s Church Pool. Its sprawling branches reaching out against a backdrop of a bright, partly cloudy sky. The still waters of the pool reflect the surrounding trees and the undulations of the distant hills. The lush green of the grassy bank in the foreground leads the eye towards the small causeway in the midground. The composition captures the serene beauty and timeless quality of this historic estate.

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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.

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Melbourne Pool

Melbourne Pool, dating back to 1845, is a picturesque mill pool landscaped for Lord Melbourne. Overlooking Melbourne Hall, this 20-acre pool offers scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere. It is a place to feed the ducks, admire the scenery, and enjoy the historic setting. The pool provides a beautiful foreground to Melbourne Hall and its gardens.

A late-day view of Melbourne Pool captured at sunset. The pool, partially covered with a thin layer of ice, reflects the soft, warm light of the setting sun. In the background, Melbourne Parish Church tower rises above the trees, adding a historical dimension to the scene. A stone wall, punctuated by neatly trimmed hedges, runs along the edge of the pool, separating it from the manicured lawn. Several trees, including prominent evergreens, frame the composition. The overall scene evokes a sense of tranquillity and quiet beauty.

Melbourne Hall

Melbourne Hall, a Georgian country house in South Derbyshire, offers a glimpse into history. Once home to the Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, the Hall boasts exquisite interiors and stunning gardens. A highlight is the formal garden, featuring an elegant ornamental pool, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

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