Tucked away between Stamford and Peterborough lies the village of Helpston, the home of John Clare (1793-1864). Widely regarded as one of the greatest of the English poets, John Clare lived in the village for his first forty years from 1793 until 1832.
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What's On
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Plan Your Visit
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Come and enjoy our Cafe
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Latest Cottage News
WE NEED YOUR HELP
We are looking for Volunteers for front of house and Volunteer Gardeners to help keep our garden looking lovely. You only need a spare hour or two to pop in and help us to keep it looking good It is very tired and needs a bit of care and also volunteers to work in the Cafe. Also we would like some volunteers to do some light maintenance work.
Email info@clarecottage.org for more details.
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The John Clare Trust purchased John 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.
The Cottage shop is the perfect place to buy a memento of your visit - we specialise in John Clare books and local art and craft items. Why not relax in our lovely cafe and have coffee and cake.
We are open Mondays and Thursdays 10am until 3pm
We open all year round if there are any changes they will be advertised. We closed for 2 weeks at Christmas, dates are advised in advance.
Hot food and museum entry finish at 2.30pm
Unfortunately we do not allow dogs in the Cafe where food is prepared unless they are working dogs, but you are welcome to sit in the courtyard with them.
We are now takings bookings for wakes, baby showers, wedding receptions, meetings etc.
For details email: Events@clarecottage.org
Why not try our Afternoon Tea.
Gift Vouchers Available