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About Calke Abbey:

Although never being built as an abbey, Calke' mansion has seen a varied history from fortune to decay. 

Originally a priory build c. 12th century as Calke Priory served an independent community until the death of Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester in 1153, where it was handed to the Maud of Gloucester as part of a dowry payment. The Maud of Gloucester went onto also build Repton priory. However, between the 14th and 15th century, not much is known of it's use.

In 1538 the Crown confiscated the land where it was later leased to John Prest (who died and Calke was passed to his widow, then through his daughter Frances to her husband William Bradborne).  

The estate continued to pass through many freehold and leasehold agreements until it eventually was aquired in 1575 by Richard Wendsley. Wendsley  constructed a new house on the land and in the internal court yard parts of this house can be seen, making it the oldest parts to still exist; part of an outline of a turret can be seen on the south east wall, as well as where the external staircases would have been situated. 

The estate continued to be sold until In 1622 the estate was bought by Sir Henry Harpur. The house was rebuilt as a Baroque mansion between 1701 and 1704 by Sir John Harpur, 4th baronet after he inherited when he was 21.

During the visit to the house, you enter into a world of National history. Taxidermy's are seen throughout the property testament to the 10th baronet who converted the house into a mini museum.

The estate was transferred to the National Trust  and offers a unique glimpse into the decline of the English country house. This historic property has been preserved in a state that reflects its former grandeur and the passage of time. When it was endowed, many of its rooms had experienced little change since the 1880s.

Unlike many historic properties that undergo extensive restoration efforts to return them to a specific period or style, Calke Abbey has seen a different approach. Rather than restoring it to a particular era, the National Trust has focused on preserving the property in a state that reflects its long history, including its periods of decline.

While Calke Abbey has not undergone traditional restoration, it has seen a significant amount of remedial work. This work has been essential in halting the decay of both the building and its interiors. The goal has been to stabilize and maintain the property as it was found in 1985.

Calke Abbey is a remarkable historical property that provides a different perspective on preservation and conservation. Instead of restoring it to a specific time period, the National Trust has chosen to maintain it in a state of gentle decay, allowing visitors to step into a world frozen in time and witness the passage of history.