Chalke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire

Chalke Abbey is a Grade 1 listed country house near Ticknall Derbyshire and is now in the care of the National Trust.  It was originally an Augustinian Priory from the 12th century until its dissolution by Henry VIII.
Chalke Priory was founded by Richard d'Avranches, 2nd Earl of Chester between 1115 - 1120 and dedicated to St Giles.  D'Avranches inherited the Priory from his father who owned estates in England and France.  The house is an example of the Neoclassical and Baroque style.
The house was owned by the Harpur family for nearly 300 years until it was past to the NT in 1985 in lieu of death duties. The house was owned by successive Harpur baronets until it was ultimately inherited by Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe 1846 -1924.  This 10th Baronet was devoted to collecting natural history specimens and the house still has many of his collection.  His eldest daughter, Hilda Harpur Crewe 1877-1949 inherited the property and then it was left to her nephew Charles Jennet 1917 -1981 the eldest son of Frances Harpur Crewe the fourth daughter of Vauncey.  Charles changed his name to Harper-Crewe and his death led to crippling death duties £8m of an estate worth 14 M. It was his younger brother that transferred the estate to the National Trust. The house is open to the public and many of the rooms are displaced in the state of decline which was the state the property was in when it was taken over.  It is often described and the most un-stately, stately home.

The gardens are really beautiful and the 600 acre of parkland is home to red and fallow deer. I toured the house and most of the rooms are accessible.