At the heart of the historic and picturesque town of Clare the Ancient House stands sentinel next to the church. Dating back to the 15th century this unusual Grade I listed building boasts spectacular moulded plaster and timber work and intriguingly low ceilings. It is thought to have started life as a mediaeval open hall house and was at various times the town bakery and the home of the Parish Council's sexton.
The museum which occupies part of the house provides a history of Clare with graphic displays and exhibits featuring education, transport, brewing, leather, finance and clothing. Computerised records of 1809 and 1851 census returns are also available together with historic photographs of the town including cutting the first sod of the railway in 1863, the opening of the Town hall in 1913 and the unveiling of the War Memorial in 1923.
The museum has provided a Town Trail which can be followed starting from a map in the country park via a series of information boards located in various parts of the town.
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Clare Ancient House Museum opening hours
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Easter and May to September
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Thursday, Friday, Sunday
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2pm - 5pm
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Saturday and Bank Holidays
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11.30am - 5pm
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Entrance fee
£1.00 for each adult and child of 16 years and over.
Free for children up to 16 years old and Friends of the museum.
There is no wheelchair access.
26 High Street
Clare
Suffolk CO10 8NY
Phone: 01787 277572
Website: clare-ancient-house-museum.co.uk
