Chance to view old building for free
Thursday, 7th June 2001.
A Grade 1 listed medieval timber-framed building, the Ancient House stands at the southwest corner of St Peter and St Paul’s churchyard.
Its elaborate pargeting (raised plaster decoration) is a distinctive form of decoration in East Anglia and this is one of the most celebrated examples of this historic art in the country.
The house, which will be open from Saturday, June 16 until Friday, June 22, incorporates a handsome moulded timber ceiling in the ground-floor chamber and elaborately carved oriel windows.
The building also houses the Clare Museum.
Restoration of the Ancient House by the Landmark Trust gave the building a secure future, as its holiday rental income pays for its maintenance.
However, additional funds have to be found to enable the charity to rescue other important buildings at risk from unsuitable development or collapse.
In May last year, the Landmark Appeal was launched to raise £10 million to secure the future of more buildings like the Ancient House.
All visitors are welcome and admission will be free.
The house will be open between 10am and 4pm each day and there will be an information leaflet to explain the history of the house and its restoration.
Visitors should be aware that the floors, especially upstairs, are very uneven due to the age of the building.
The restoration was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The building is normally let for self-catering holidays.
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