Home > Attractions > Suffolk > Clare Priory

Clare Priory

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

Clare Priory was the first monastic house established by the Augustinian order in Britain. The priory was established in 1248 under the patronage of Richard de Clare. The priory was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538, but several of the buildings survived largely intact, and in 1953 the priory was purchased by the Augustinans once more, and today it acts as a religious centre and retreat. Visitors are welcome to explore the gardens and grounds.

At the centre of the priory is a 14th century house, around which can be found remnants of the original abbey buildings. Several prominent members of the nobility were buried at Clare Priory, including Joan of Acre, Countess of Gloucester and Hertford (d. 1307). Joan's story is a fascinating one; she was a daughter of Edward I and Eleanor of Castile. She was first married to Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Hertford, who was almost 30 years older. When the earl died, Joan secretly married Ralph de Monthermer, 1st Baron Monthermer, a man very much her social inferior. Joan's enraged father had Monthermer thrown in gaol, and Joan had to plead for his life. Edward finally relented, and the two were reunited. They had 4 children together, until Joan died in childbirth in 1307 and was buried at Clare Priory.

Near the priory is Clare Castle, a ruined medieval fortress.
Ashen Road, Clare, Suffolk, England, CO10 8NX

About Clare Priory
Attraction Type: Abbey
Location: In the centre of Clare village
Website: Clare Priory
Location map
OS TL768448

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Clare Castle - 0.3 miles (Castle) Clare Ancient House Museum - 0.4 miles (Museum) Clare, St Peter and St Paul - 0.4 miles (Church) Hedingham Castle - 5.7 miles (Castle) Melford Hall - 6.2 miles (Historic House) Kentwell Hall - 6.2 miles (Historic House) Gainsborough's House - 6.2 miles (Historic Property) Toddington Castle - 8.9 miles (Castle)

Nearest Towns and Villages Lavenham - 9.5 miles away Cambridge - 21 miles away Grantchester - 21.9 miles away Thetford - 24.8 miles away Ely - 26.3 miles away Elsworth - 30.3 miles away Diss - 31.2 miles away St Ives, Cambridgeshire - 33 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Clare Priory

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The Creamery - 3.9 miles from Clare Priory Kedington, Suffolk Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £240

The Cottage at Rowans - 4.3 miles from Clare Priory Kedington, Suffolk Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £295

Lady Cottage - 9.6 miles from Clare Priory Lavenham, Suffolk Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £325

More Self Catering near Clare Priory

Nearest Hotels

The Bell - 0.3 miles from Clare Priory Clare, Suffolk Stay from: £55.00

The George - 2.5 miles from Clare Priory Cavendish, Suffolk Stay from: £55.00

The Plough Inn - 3.1 miles from Clare Priory Hundon, Suffolk Stay from: £70.00

More Hotels near Clare Priory

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Ship Stores - 0.4 miles from Clare Priory Clare, Suffolk From: £57.00

Sturmer Hall - 4.9 miles from Clare Priory Haverhill, Suffolk From: £125.00

The White Horse Inn - 7.8 miles from Clare Priory Withersfield, Suffolk From: £59.95

More bed and breakfasts near Clare Priory

Sudbury
Tourist Information Centre
Town Hall
Market Hill
Sudbury
Suffolk
England
CO10 1TL
Tel: 01787 881320
Fax: 01787 242129
Email: sudburytic@babergh.gov.uk
Web: http://www.babergh-south-suffolk.gov.uk/
Map