Ancient House, Clare facts for kids
The Ancient House is a very old and special building in a town called Clare in Suffolk, England. It's made mostly of wood, with a unique style called timber-framed. Some parts also have fancy plasterwork known as pargeting. This house is so important that it's officially protected as a Grade I listed building, which means it's one of the most historically significant buildings in the country.
What is the Ancient House?
The Ancient House is a fantastic example of a medieval home. Imagine a house built hundreds of years ago! It shows us how people lived and built things long, long ago.
How Old is the Ancient House?
The oldest part of the Ancient House is its west side, which was built way back in the 14th century. That's over 600 years ago! The other side, the east wing, was built a bit later, in 1473. This part is much more decorated and fancy.
Inside, some rooms have special wooden ceilings with patterns carved into them. You can also see beautiful oriel windows, which are windows that stick out from the wall. The house was even mentioned in a legal document from 1502, showing how long it has been around!
Saving the Ancient House
In the early 1930s, a local farmer named Charles W. Byford bought the Ancient House. He did this to make sure it stayed in England and wasn't moved to the United States. That was a very kind thing to do!
Then, in 1938, Mr. Byford gave the house to the Clare Parish Council. He wanted them to use it for something helpful for the public. Many years later, in 1979, the council opened a museum inside the house.
In the 1990s, the house got a big makeover. Groups like the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Landmark Trust helped with money and support. Today, the Ancient House is still a museum where you can learn about its history. It's also a special place where people can stay for holidays, helping to keep it looked after for future generations.
