Clare Camp

Heritage Site in Suffolk West Suffolk

England

Clare Camp

Sugar Beet in Essex The footpath from Clare has just crossed the River Stour out of Suffolk into a field in Essex which is planted with sugar beet this year. — Sugar Beet in Essex Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Clare Camp, located in Suffolk, England, is a significant heritage site that holds historical and cultural significance. Dating back to the 11th century, Clare Camp is a motte and bailey castle, built during the Norman Conquest by Richard Fitz Gilbert. It was strategically constructed to control the surrounding area and protect the town of Clare.

The castle occupies an elevated position on a motte, which is a man-made mound, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The bailey, a large enclosed courtyard, was located at the base of the motte and provided additional defense for the castle. The site also includes a series of ditches and banks, which further fortified the castle.

Throughout its history, Clare Camp played a crucial role in various conflicts, including the English Civil War, when it was used as a military base. Over the years, the castle underwent several renovations and expansions, reflecting the changing needs and architectural styles of the time.

Today, Clare Camp stands as a well-preserved heritage site and serves as a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the remains of the castle and learn about its history through informational displays and guided tours. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life and military architecture, showcasing the ingenuity and skill of the builders. With its picturesque setting and historical significance, Clare Camp in Suffolk is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring England's rich past.

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Clare Camp Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.08/0.575 or Grid Reference TL7645. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sugar Beet in Essex

The footpath from Clare has just crossed the River Stour out of Suffolk into a field in Essex which is planted with sugar beet this year.

Des Blenkinsopp

Bridleway to Rats Castle

Rats Castle is a house about 1km down a track which leaves Hickford Hill just here. An old public bridleway signpost made out of reinforced concrete points the way.

Des Blenkinsopp

The Causeway

The road is called Causeway and here's why. A low lying bit of road beside the River Stour.

Des Blenkinsopp

Bridleway, Hickford Hill

A broad fieldside track through arable farmland.

Des Blenkinsopp

Can't see the Stour

The River Stour is in amongst all the weeds in the foreground, but there's not a lot of water in it just now and you can't really see it from the path. Clare Hill Farm just visible in the trees mid picture.

Des Blenkinsopp

Farmland & Cables

A large open field dotted with hazards to stop tractor drivers dozing off.

Des Blenkinsopp

Clare in the Valley

The town of Clare is down there among the trees. A view from the Stour Valley Path.

Des Blenkinsopp

Farmland by Clare Road

A difficult square to photograph, with a short stretch of road as the only access, with woodland and a deep ditch on one side and an embankment on the other. A rather dull bit of field is my contribution for TL7647.

Des Blenkinsopp

Houses on Clare Road

The map calls this Poslingford Corner.

Des Blenkinsopp

The Clare Jug & Bottle

An old off licence shop on High Street. A lot of old bottles still in the window, but I don't know if it's still in business.

Des Blenkinsopp

Church Lane, Clare

A short street in the old town centre with a name that needs no explanation. The thing on top of the tower is part of the scaffolding that was around much of the church when this was taken.

Des Blenkinsopp

Nethergate House, Clare

One of Clare's many ancient houses, Nethergate House dates from the early 16th century.

Des Blenkinsopp

Flowers on the Churchyard Wall

The east side of the churchyard, with houses on Callis Street.

Des Blenkinsopp

In the Priory Garden

Clare Priory was shut down by Henry 8th, just like other monastic sites, but after several centuries a religious community has returned to the priory. The community house and a new church are in a garden setting amongst and incorporating the ruins of the old Priory.

Des Blenkinsopp

Shadow on the Wall

The shadow of an ironwork sign is thrown onto the decorated plaster wall of The Ancient House, a 15th century timber framed building which now houses the town museum.

Des Blenkinsopp

Callis Street, Clare

Looking north away from the town centre.

Des Blenkinsopp

Clare Station

Clare Station like hundreds of others was shut in the 1960s, but since then it has fared better than many of those other casualties. Still more or less intact it has been incorporated into the Clare Castle Country Park along with the remains of Clare's medieval castle and now is home to a pleasant cafe.

Des Blenkinsopp

Clare Town Trail

Clare has a long and interesting history and gets a lot of visitors. Information panels like this can be found all around the town. In the background is part of the medieval castle.

Des Blenkinsopp

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Clare Camp is located at Grid Ref: TL7645 (Lat: 52.08, Lng: 0.575)

Administrative County: Suffolk

District: West Suffolk

Police Authority: Suffolk