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    Learning & Discovery
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    Natural history & geological specimens

    Many National Trust houses will have some trophies of the chase. There are also some interesting natural history collections.

    A selection of properties to visit with examples of taxidermy and natural ornaments or decoration:

    Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe was an amateur taxidermist and the huge collection at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire bears witness to his enthusiasm.

    Tatton Park in Cheshire has an important collection of big game trophies. Sheringham Park and Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk and Powis Castle in Wales have large collections of stuffed birds and eggs. Arlington Court in Devon has an important collection of shells.

    William Bankes furnished Kingston Lacy in Dorset with the finest collection of coloured marbles and decorative stones available in Europe in the first half of the 19th century.
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    A close-up of the inside of the lid of the shell collection displayed in the Morning Room at Arlington Court. The various shells are arranged to make a decorative pattern.
    © NTPL / Nadia Mackenzie
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