These days the small Suffolk town of Clare is far from the centre of things, a pretty village with more than its fair share of pink-washed cottages, some wonderful pargeting (plaster-work decorated in relief), and many Tudor, Jacobean and Georgian buildings. But in its time Clare was a vitally important stronghold, and has left its mark on learning (certainly) and wine (possibly). Wine first, as seems only civilised. The Domesday Book noted Clare had extensive vineyards, and some have suggested that the town is the origin of the term claret. Learning after wine. In the 14th century the then Lady of Clare, Elizabeth de Burgh, endowed Clare College Cambridge, evidence of the wealth of the area then. Roman finds in the district show habitation then, and Clare was probably an important trading point even earlier, sited on a route from prosperous Dunwich in the east to the Midlands, and on the ancient Icknield Way running north from Colchester. Indeed, there are remains of Iron Age fortifications in the area, guarding the Stour Valley. After the Conquest the fortifications were strengthened, with a motte and two baileys. Parts of the 13th century castle keep remain, but in an act of crass vandalism the town’s railway station was built within the castle, although because of this a reliquary thought to have been Edward III’s was found, complete with pearl-encrustations. The Augustinian Friary built here in 1248 was dissolved in 1538, but in 1953 the Augustinians returned, establishing a centre for training novices. Clare was a woollen town, and the wealth of that era is seen in the grandeur of St Peter and St Paul’s, with its 13th century tower and 14th century porches. On a more human scale, the church possesses an ancient bell-ringer’s “gotch” (beer jug), and a strange brass lectern-cum-collection-box in the form of an eagle, money posted at the beak exiting at the tail.
Doctor
Chase, Moore & Huck
Dr Hayhow & Partners
Inn
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
School
Clare Middle School
Clare Primary School
Self-Catering
Solicitor
Places to Stay near Clare
Ship Stores (0.02 miles)
Ship Stores Guest House is a 17th Century timber framed listed building that was originally three cottages. Later an external staircase led to drinking rooms, above which were used by local sheep farmers. It is ... More | visit website
The Bell (0.17 miles)
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The Bell is a beautiful half-timbered coaching inn dating back to the 16th century, situated in the small market town of Clare.
The fifteen en-suite ... More
The Plough Inn (3.09 miles)
This beautiful country pub occupies a privileged location close to the main cities of Cambridge, Newmarket, Bury St. Edmunds and Sudbury. The Plough Inn is set in the picturesque Suffolk ... More
The White Horse Inn (3.67 miles)
Set in the north Essex countryside The White Horse Inn & Lodge at Ridgewell is ideally situated for the nearby attractions of the Colne Valley railway, the castle at Castle ... More
The Waggon & Horses (4.65 miles)
The Pheasant Coach House (5.67 miles)
George & Dragon (5.76 miles)
Crown Hotel (5.80 miles)
The Crown Hotel is a family run historic inn which was originally built in 1610 and retains many interesting features.Situated in the very centre of Long Melford’s famous high street, ... More
Bull Hotel (5.86 miles)
The Bull is situated on Long Melford's High Street, near the Village Green. The fine timbered house has a history dating back over 500 years and has been an Inn since ... More
The Black Lion Hotel & Restaurant (5.93 miles)
A glance at our comments book will soon reassure you that you have arrived in a small haven. As far away from the ‘corporate’ style of hotel as possible but still having all the ... More | visit website
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