The Museum

The Museum >>  Genealogy / Town Trail

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. It is thought to have started life as a mediaeval open hall house and was at various times the town workhouse and a bakers.

Pre-Roman pot found in the River Stour

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 the people from 1600 onwards 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.

Archdeacon Farmiloe Dedicating Clare War Memorial

Entry costs £1. With this comes a quiz leaflet on the Museum, with a monthly prize.

OPENING HOURS
Easter and May to September
Thurs, Fri, Sun    2pm - 5pm
Sat & Bank Hols    11.30am - 5pm

(Regret no wheel chair access)