From Emmonsale's Heath:

In thy wild garb of other times
I find thee lingering still;
Furze o'er each lazy summit climbs,
At nature's easy will.

Grasses that never knew a scythe,
Wave all the summer long;
And wild weed blossoms waken blythe,
That ploughmen never wrong.

Stern Industry, with stubborn toil,
And wants unsatisfied,
Still leaves untouched thy maiden soil,
In its unsullied pride.

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OPEN EVERY DAY 10.30am to 3.00pm (last entry)

Please telephone to check groups/opening days on 01733 253330

Tucked away between Stamford and Peterborough lies the village of Helpston, the home of John Clare (1793-1864). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest of the English poets and lived in the village for his first forty years from 1793 until 1832. 

The John Clare Trust purchased Clare Cottage in 2005, preserving it for future generations. The Cottage has been restored, using traditional building methods, to create a centre where people can learn about John Clare, his works, how rural people lived in the early 19th century and also gain an understanding of the environment.  

The Cottage contains examples of his work together with information about his life. Some of the rooms have been returned to the style that would have been found in cottages in the early 19th century in rural England. The gardens have been redesigned and planted with varieties which would have been seen in Clare’s time. For the latest in the garden go to the Gardens Page

The Cottage also has a shop and cafe where you can get refreshments.

Then village of Helpston contains a number of historic buildings that were in use during Clare’s time, it is also the centre of the surrounding countryside where John Clare walked as a youth.

Here at the John Clare website you can keep up with the progress of the Trust, learn more about the history of the cottage and surrounding area, and get information of future events.

Admission Prices:
                                      Regular Price             Gift Aid Donation
 
Adults  £3.75  £4.12
Concessions   £3.15   £3.26
Child (under 16)  £3.15 £3.46
Family (2+2)     £12.00         £13.20
                                                   
 

Clare Cottage, 12 Woodgate, Helpston, Peterborough, PE6 7ED     

                                             
 Can you help?

We are looking for enthustiastic people to join our growing team of volunteers who support the many activities at the Cottage. Click here for details >>