The John Clare Cottage Trust

Micro Library

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Labours Leisure

O for the feelings and the careless health
That found me toiling in the fields - the joy
I felt at eve with not a wish for wealth,
When labour done and in the hedge put by
My delving spade - I homeward used to hie
With thoughts of books I often read by stealth
Beneath the blackthorn clumps at dinner's hour;
It urged my weary feet with eager speed
To hasten home where winter fires did shower
Scant light now felt as beautiful indeed,
Where bending o'er my knees I used to read
With earnest heed all books that had the power
To give me joy in most delicious ways,
And rest my spirits after weary days.

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COTTAGE OPENING TIMES

Winter Opening hours Jan 1st 2012 - Apr 8th 2012:
Friday to Wednesday 10:30am to 4:00pm (last entry to the Cottage 3pm) - Closed all day Thursday.

Summer Opening hours Apr 8th - Nov 1st
Open Every Day10.30am to 4.00pm (last entry to Cottage 3pm)

Please telephone to check groups/opening days on 01733 253330 and see any opening notes below.

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 19^th 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 19^th 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 shop is the perfect place to buy a memento of your visit - we specialise in John Clare books and local arts and craft items. Why not relax in our lovely cafe and try one of our homemade soups, daily specials, or one of our selection of Clare's cakes. All cakes and light bites on our menu are made on the premises.

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:
                                      Adult          Concession     Children (Under 16)    Family (2+4)

Gift Aid Admission    £4.50            £3.85                    £3.85                            £15.00

Standard Admission £4.05            £3.45                    £3.45                            £13.50

Money raised from the admission goes towards vital conservation and restoration projects at Clare Cottage. Please note that you will be asked to pay the Gift Aid Admission unless you request to pay the Standard Admission, but if you prefer to pay the Standard Admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.

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

Visitor Information - variations in visiting arrangements:

March 13th - There will be a large school group visiting the Cottage from 10am - 2pm.

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 >>