The Ancient House is a medieval timber-framed building located in Clare in Suffolk. It is a Grade I listed building. The oldest part of the building is the west wing, dating from the 14th century, whilst the heavily decorated east wing is believed to have been built in 1473. The house features a moulded timber ceiling in one of the ground floor rooms and some elaborately carved oriel windows. It is mentioned in a will dating to 1502. The exterior plasterwork on the east wing is stunning. The building is both a museum and also holiday accomodation.
Exhibitions in the Museum tell the history of the Town, of the Lords and Ladies who once lived in Clare and of the ordinary people who lived and worked here. The Museum features extensive computerised records providing a mine of information for those interested in genealogy and the history of the Town, its people and its buildings. Amongst the artefacts on display are a Neolithis axe-head, found in the Stour, from 5000 BC; a Romano-British pot; an iron spearhead; the Wand of Office for the Constable of Clare; a mid-Victorian paper bag used for dispensing nails and hardware items and the old town sign. There is no wheelchair access.
Location : 26 High Street, Clare, Suffolk. CO10 8NY
Transport: Sudbury (National Rail) then bus (7.5 miles. Bus Routes : 236, 374 and 756 stop close by.
Opening Times : Thursday, Friday, Sunday 14:00 to 17:00; Saturdays + Bank Holidays 10:30 to 17:00
Tickets : Adults (16 +) £1.00; Children Free
Tel: 01787 277572
