The history of Calke Abbey was brought back to the grounds for one day only as visitors flocked to see diaries, photos and records of people who lived and worked on the estate hundreds of years ago.

As part of Heritage Open Days, the archives were returned to the National Trust property, in Ticknall, from Derbyshire Records Office, where they are permanently stored.

The Learning Room at the Grade I listed country house played host to the archives on Saturday, September 9, as archivists and volunteers were on hand to show visitors the records and tell them about the items and the history of the estate.

Helen Millhouse Archivist from the Derby Records Office - with one of the books on display

Zoe Knight, from Calke Abbey, said: "Despite the rain, we had a fantastic turn out for Calke Archive Comes Home. Calke has one of the largest collections in the country and it isn't possible to store everything here.

"Both visitors and volunteers were delighted by the archives brought by Derbyshire Record Office, giving them the opportunity to discover and learn more about the people who lived and worked at Calke."

Gardening items and equipment for the horses that used to live on the grounds were also on display at the event for visitors to learn more about what has gone on on the estate in years gone by. The property features some of the oldest trees in the Midlands with the 'Old Man of Calke' is estimated to be 1,200 years old. Oak trees are scattered around the grounds of Calke, and once provided those who lived there with firewood and food for animals over the winter.

Anyone who missed the opportunity to take a look at Calke Abbey's records can do so by calling into Derbyshire Record Office, at County Hall, in Matlock.

What is Calke Abbey?

Calke Abbey is a country house in, Ticknall, South Derbyshire which is owned, run and cared for by the National Trust.

Known as the 'un-stately home', the property is unique in the way that it is not presented as a perfect, new grand house, but instead one in decline.

No restoration work has been done on the house since 1880, in order to keep it in the condition that it was in when first taken over by the National Trust.

Calke Abbey is a large country estate with a vast garden space, complete with beautiful, yet faded walled gardens, an orangery and more.

There are outbuildings around the house, complete with a stable yard, a farm and even a brewhouse, with a tunnel connecting directly into the house.

There are many sights and features littered around the grounds and in the house that are worth looking for, including a 1,200-year-old oak tree.

There is plenty at the abbey to keep the whole family busy for a full day, with the home open to be explored, and the many stories and tales that can be found and heard around the grounds.

With events throughout the year, there is always something new happening there. There is even plenty to choose from to eat, including Calke's restaurant and café.