Originally inhabited by Augustinian Monks, Calke Priory fell victim to Henry VIII’s reformation of the church. The estate passed through several owners until Henry Harpur purchased it in 1622 for the then vast sum of £5,350.
National Trust Rescue
The estate remained in the Harpur Crewe family until 1985 when it had to be sold to pay Death Duties. Thanks to grants and donations, and with some help from Nigel Lawson, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the National Trust succeeded in taking it over before it fell completely into ruin.
The house, which dates from Elizabethan times, was in a sorry state of dilapidation and disrepair. One of the first major projects was a complete re-roofing in order to prevent further decay. At that time it was necessary to eradicate dry rot that had begun to affect the fabric of the house.
To Renovate, or Not to Renovate?
The National Trust decided not to renovate the house since it had already been crumbling for a century. Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe, the 10th Baronet, had resisted modernisation, and so it was only in 1962 that electricity was partially installed in the house by the last owner, Henry Harpur Crewe.
Reclusives & Eccentrics
The house stands as a time capsule to the Harpur Crewe family, especially the last few generations who gained a reputation for being reclusive and eccentric. Also known as great hoarders, their collections of taxidermy, fossils, bird’s eggs, insects and minerals eventually took over many of the bedchambers and boudoirs.
Fifty per cent of the original collection was sold off at the death of Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe in 1924 to pay death duties. Even so, what remains is an impressive collection by any standards.
Well Proportioned and Liveable
The house is well proportioned and liveable – unlike some of the stately piles of Derbyshire. It has a pleasant feel to it and still retains the characteristics of a family home – albeit one with several generations of portraits on the walls.
The State Bed
One of the National Trust’s proudest discoveries in the house is the great State Bed. Preserved in pristine condition in large wooden chests, this 300 year old embroidered Chinese silk textile is thought to have been a wedding present to Lady Caroline Manners & Sir Henry Harpur, 5th Baronet, from Princess Ann, daughter of George 2nd. Still as fresh and bright as the day it was made, it is now exhibited in a temperature and light controlled environment.
A Day at Calke
A full day should be ear-marked for this visit, since there is much to see and do. As well as the house and the walled garden, there is an historic church where lie buried the remains of generations of Harpur Crewes.
The extensive park land makes for pleasant walking, populated as it is with red and roe deer, long horned cattle and Portland sheep. Visit the walled gardens, the stables and the ice house and enjoy a meal or a cream tea at the well appointed restaurant.
Opening Days
The house and church are not open to visitors on Thursday or Friday. The park and coffee kiosk are open every day for walkers. Dogs are allowed on leads, but for those who use mobility scooters there is only very limited access to the park and to the ground floor of the house. Photography is not allowed in the house or church, but is permitted everywhere else.
References
Calke Abbey, National Trust Official Guide, ISBN 078-1-94359-036-1
