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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Sunsets, those fleeting moments of fiery hues and soft pastels, hold a universal allure. They paint the sky with a masterpiece of colours, signalling the day’s end and the promise of twilight. People are drawn to their beauty, finding solace and wonder in the ever-changing canvas above. Sunsets offer a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the natural world’s artistry. They evoke feelings of peace, romance, and nostalgia, making them a cherished spectacle across cultures and generations.

Sunset over Calke Abbey Parkland

This first image captures a serene sunset in Calke Abbey parkland. The sun, positioned near the horizon, casts a warm, golden glow across the landscape. The sky transitions from a soft blue on the left to a vibrant orange near the sun, with wispy clouds adding texture. A large, bare tree stands prominently on the left, its branches silhouetted against the sky. The foreground features a rolling green field with patches of sunlight highlighting the texture of the grass. A low stone wall runs across the midground, adding a rustic element to the scene. The overall atmosphere is tranquil and picturesque, showcasing the natural beauty of the park at dusk.

Sunset over Staunton Harold Reservoir

These next four images capture a tranquil sunset scene over Staunton Harold Reservoir. The setting sun, partially obscured by clouds, casts a warm, golden light across the sky and reflects on the water’s surface, creating a mirror-like effect. The skies are filled with a mix of soft blues, oranges, and yellows, with wispy clouds adding texture. The foreground features a shoreline with grasses and vegetation, leading to the calm water. In the distance, a treeline is visible, adding depth to the landscape.

Sunset over Scots Brook

This image captures a sunset over Scots Brook, leading to Staunton Harold Reservoir. The sun casts a warm light, blending pastel hues in the sky. A green field slopes towards the brook, with a faint path winding through it. Trees are silhouetted against the sky, adding depth to the landscape.

Sunset over Calke Abbey Parkland

This image captures a tranquil sunset in Calke Abbey parkland. The sun, near the horizon, casts a warm, golden glow through silhouetted trees. A path leads through a textured, grassy field, with hints of frost adding detail. The sky blends soft blues and oranges, with wispy clouds enhancing the scene.

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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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Calke Abbey, a National Trust gem in Ticknall, Derbyshire, offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era. This ‘un-stately home’ is preserved as found, showcasing the fascinating decline of a country estate. Explore its unrestored rooms, discover hidden collections, and wander through its beautiful, yet faded, walled gardens and orangery. With its vast parkland, Calke Abbey provides a tranquil escape into history.

In this image Calke Abbey stands in striking contrast to the clear blue sky. The historic house, with its weathered stone façade and grand classical columns, dominates the landscape. A winding path in the foreground leads our eye towards the entrance. Visitors can be seen enjoying the grounds, giving a sense of scale to this impressive scene.

It was good to see the scaffolding come down after weeks of work to repair and restore the windows and walls on the west and south faces of the house. Here we see the house bathed in early spring sunshine on a lovely day in early March.

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Calke Abbey’s vast parkland offers a tranquil escape, with 600 acres of historic landscape. Wander through ancient woodlands, past secluded ponds, and observe herds of red and fallow deer. Explore National Nature Reserves, and discover ancient oaks, including the ‘Old Man of Calke.’ Enjoy diverse walking trails, witnessing seasonal changes, from spring’s vibrant blooms to autumn’s rich colors. This parkland is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful exploration.

Near the entrance kiosk of the Calke Abbey estate stands this grand, tree. I’ve seen it many times but the light was impressive on this particular afternoon. Towering over the winter landscape, its sprawling branches cast long shadows on the ground. The rustic wooden fence surrounding it hints at the potential risk of falling branches, emphasising its age and presence.

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Serpentine Wood, nestled within Calke Abbey’s vast Deer Park, offers a captivating natural experience. Wander through ancient woodlands, particularly stunning during spring’s bluebell bloom. The Deer Park, home to red and fallow deer, provides a glimpse into a historic landscape. Observe these magnificent animals within their natural habitat. Explore diverse trails, encountering veteran trees and tranquil ponds. This blend of woodland and parkland creates a haven for wildlife and peaceful exploration.

The light was lovely on my walk and I stopped many times to take photos, the walk ended up being twice as long as normal.

The first photo was taken in Serpentine Wood with it’s gnarled and weathered trees rising up from the frost kissed ground. The golden hour spilling it’s warmth over the distant Pistern Hills. An ethereal glow silhouettes the trees as the light fades away.

The second photo is the Deer Park a tangled maze of ancient trees. The sun filtered by the branches, casting long shadows over the leaf-strewn ground. A peaceful view of the parkland as it settles into the colder months.

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