Development of the Gardens at Calke Abbey, by Stan Rowland
The gardens and grounds at Calke Abbey have long enchanted our members, so it was not surprising to see a great turn-out to hear National Trust volunteer Stan Rowland speak about their history.
Stan started with an apology about his lack of detailed knowledge on the subject as he had taken over from expert Roy Mitchell who was recovering from an operation.
Stan started with an apology about his lack of detailed knowledge on the subject as he had taken over from expert Roy Mitchell who was recovering from an operation.
Not many people know that Calke Abbey in Derbyshire is not an abbey but a former priory, the first Augustinian priory in the country with its origins dating back to 1130.
There is evidence that the abbey monks were self-sufficient in vegetables, fruit and flowers and grew medicinal plants in their physic garden.
Many of the plants are still grown in the extensive kitchen garden, while numerous certificates in the potting shed are a tribute to the skill of the gardeners in winning prizes at local and national shows.
Quarries were established in the 16th century with associated lime kilns which hint at some of the plants grown at the time.
An orangery was added to the walled garden in 1701, with archive material showing the cost of new trees and garden drawings.
An interesting feature of the walled garden is the auricula theatre for displaying plants during the summer; this becomes a pumpkin theatre which is always a highlight of garden visits in the autumn.
Sir Vauncey Harpur-Crewe, the 10th Baronet (1846 to 1924), who collected artefacts world-wide, followed the popular trend to serve pineapples at banquets to impress his guests. His gardeners used the warmth from horse manure from the stables to grow these and other exotic fruits.
The stables at Calke were world-famous, as was ale from an on-site brewery until beer from Burton-on-Trent Breweries grew in popularity.
Recent and on-going geophysical investigations on key sites at Calke have revealed fascinating finds including old walls, a grotto, a hidden stream, five cannons and the body of a child; the latter is now interred in St Giles Church on the estate.
All National Trust properties rely extensively upon volunteer labour. Calke is no exception, with 636 volunteers helping in the house and gardens.
Thanks to Stan Rowland who presented this talk on October 29th 2025.