What happened at Calke Abbey?
The present building, named Calke Abbey in 1808, was never actually an abbey, but is a Baroque mansion built between 1701 and 1704. The house was owned by the Harpur family for nearly 300 years until it was passed to the Trust in 1985 in lieu of death duties….
| Calke Abbey | |
|---|---|
| Designated | 4 August 1984 |
| Reference no. | 1000676 |
Who lived at Calke Abbey?
Harpur-Crewe
Calke Abbey is built on the site of a 12th-century Augustinian priory, set in a secluded hollow in the Derbyshire hills. That seclusion is in keeping with the character of the house and generations of the eccentric Harpur-Crewe family who owned it since 1622.
Can you go inside Calke Abbey?
Entry is free for members, but please bring all membership cards with you. Non-members are required to pay an admission fee, which allows entry to the parkland, gardens and Calke Explore (please check opening times for last entry details).
Can you walk around Calke Abbey for free?
The first thing to note is that Calke Abbey is ticketed. Due to the pandemic the House is closed right now but the parkland and gardens are open. Calke Abbey prices are £8.00 per ticket and under 5’s are free. Tickets are released every Friday for the following week so make sure you plan ahead and are flexible.
How much does Calke Abbey cost?
Prices
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Child | £5.50 | £5.00 |
| Family | £27.50 | £25.00 |
Why is Calke Abbey called the Unstately home?
Casting a different light on the property, Assistant House Manager John Parkinson said, ‘The National Trust viewed Calke as a rarity. The house had been virtually untouched in the 20th century, becoming an “un-stately home” that told the story of the decline of the English country house in very graphic terms.
Why is it called Calke Abbey?
Religious roots. Calke Abbey stands on the site of a medieval religious house. People first came to live at Calke in the 12th century as part of a small religious community, attracted by the secluded forest and good water supply. Calke Priory only lasted a few years as the canons moved to nearby Repton.
How old is Calke Abbey?
317c. 1704
National Trust – Calke Abbey/Age
Are dogs allowed in Calke Abbey?
Dogs are welcome to enjoy the parkland at Calke Abbey, where you’ll find miles of woodland walks, open countryside and lots of ponds! You can also bring your dogs to the stableyards and gardens, provided they’re on a lead.
Is calke explore open?
Calke Explore is open all year round, offering more opportunities to get outdoors and active in Calke Abbey’s inspiring parkland.
Is the cafe open at Calke Abbey?
Calke’s restaurant is open seven days a week from 9.30am, offering a full selection of drinks, snacks and light meals.
Is parking free at Calke Abbey?
You could join a Ranger or a Deer Park Guide and follow a walk around hidden parts of the Estate. And you get free parking for your car all day.
When did the National Trust take over Calke Abbey?
Despite a divided opinion, Calke Abbey was declared to be ‘of heritage quality’ and eventually came into the hands of the National Trust. When Calke Abbey was handed to the National Trust in 1985, we decided not to restore these rooms, which had been untouched for many years, but rather preserve them as they were found.
Who was the last person to own Calke Abbey?
After passing through several hands, Richard Wendsley acquired Calke, eventually selling the estate in 1585 to Robert Bainbridge. His son sold the estate to Henry Harpur in 1622 for £5,350. It stayed in the Harpur family until the National Trust began caring for it in 1985.
What to do at Calke Abbey on Christmas?
Enjoy Christmas traditions old and new: follow a trail of twinkling lights through the garden or stretch your legs on an invigorating walk around the parkland before wrapping your hands around a warming drink from the restaurant.
How is Calke Abbey like a country house?
A visit to Calke Abbey, like so many National Trust places, is a step back in time. But Calke is not presented like other country houses of its day. Paintwork is faded and peeling; vast collections of personal belongings are left as they were found.