Clare, St Peter & St Paul

Is it a great ocean liner afloat on the skyline? No, it’s one of Suffolk’s great churches with ‘a small tower for a fo’c’sle and two turrets for masts’ as author Simon Jenkins once put it. This beautiful building dominates the north end of the town, reflecting the prosperity of Clare in the Middle Ages when the main trade was cloth-making.

What's special?

The exceptional height of nave and the huge aisle windows where the light streams in through the lavish arcades. 

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.

The 18th century ringers’ gotch – that’s a beer jug. Beer was once the payment for the ringers. Clare’s ring of eight is said to be the heaviest in Suffolk.

How old is it?

The present church dates back to at least 13th century but after a visit by the image-breaker William Dowsing in 1643, the heraldic glass in the east window is all that is left of the 15th century glass that once might have filled the church.



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The Revd Mark Woodrow

The Vicarage
14 High Street
Clare
Suffolk

CO10 8NY

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What's on

"Another Story Must Begin" - A Lent Course based on Les Miserables

Occuring
Friday 24 February 2023, Friday 03 March 2023, Thursday 09 March 2023, Friday 17 March 2023, Friday 24 March 2023, Friday 31 March 2023 Thursday and Friday at for 1 hour, 30 mins
Venue
The Old Chapel
Address
The Old Chapel, The Old Chapel Snow Hill Clare Suffolk, CO10 8QG, United Kingdom

Another Story Must Begin is a Lent course based on the film, the novel and the stage adaptation of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables.

Through discussion of some of the themes and principal characters of this epic narrative, the course explores the grace of God, alongside our fallen state and opportunities for redemption.

It asks us to reassess what we can do with our lives, both for ourselves and for those around us.

Alongside a session to watch the Musical Film together, the course is based around five weekly group sessions, looking at Fantine and Cosette; The Bishop of Digne; Jean Valjean; Javert; Redemption and Salvation.

There are a maximum of 10 spaces available, and you are welcome to contact Rachel Musgrove (07738661405 or [email protected]) to reserve your place.

Everyday faith

Discover how we can support you to find and follow God in your everyday life.

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All are welcome to join us at one of many Holy Week and Easter Services in the Benefice.

Lent Easter Notices Church_news

Safeguarding

The parish of Clare with Poslingford is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Benefice Safeguarding Officer. The Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our Benefice Safeguarding Officer. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Service.

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