Clare
Where is the Clare cluster OF SUFFOLK CHURCHES?
Clare is an historic market town in the South West corner of Suffolk and Cavendish is the neighbouring village — a five-minute drive or a pleasant walk away. Kedington is 10 minutes by car, while the village of Cowlinge is further off the beaten track but less than 20 minutes drive from Clare. All are in the St Edmundsbury district of Suffolk.
Known for…
Rolling countryside and lovely half-timbered houses, some with elaborate plasterwork called pargetting. You may at times feel as though you are stepping into Tudor England.
Clare St Peter & St Paul
This large and handsome building is described by author Simon Jenkins as floating on the skyline ‘like a great ship, with a small tower for a fo’c’sle and two turrets for masts’. Light streams through the lavish arcades of this Suffolk church from the clerestory glass and the large west window. Look out for the gallery of 15th century roof faces and try out the handsome private pews, one bearing the emblems of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.
Other churches in this cluster
Kedington St Peter & St Paul
Don’t be fooled by the ungainly appearance of this church. Step inside and it will take your breath away with its full complement of 16th century furnishings. Over 20 Barnardiston monuments have caused this church to be known as the Westminister Abbey of Suffolk.
Cowlinge St Margaret of Antioch
This large church has a distinctive brick tower built by the Lord of the Manor Francis Dickins in 1733 whose fine memorial can be found in the beautiful chancel. The crown post roof dates from the 14th century and the rood screen from about 1400. Over the chancel arch is a painting of St Michael weighing the souls of the dead. Note the fine Royal arms above the musicians’ gallery.
Cavendish St Mary the Virgin
Set in a cluster of thatched cottages across the village green, St Mary’s displays fine flint flushwork on its clerestory and battlements. Light pours in through the vast east window and in the nave is a gorgeous 16th century altarpiece of the crucifixion framed by a gilded altarpiece.