Stoke-by-Clare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stoke-by-Clare |
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 St. John the Baptist church, Stoke by Clare |
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 Stoke-by-Clare
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| Population | 512 (2011 Census) |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Sudbury |
| Postcode district | CO10 |
| Dialling code | 01787 |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Stoke-by-Clare is a small village in Suffolk, England. It is located in the valley of the River Stour. The village is about two miles west of the town of Clare. In 2011, about 512 people lived here.
Contents
A Look Back in Time: Stoke-by-Clare's History
The Priory and College
In 1124, a powerful person named Richard de Clare, 1st Earl of Hertford, moved a special religious building called a Benedictine Priory to Stoke-by-Clare. This Priory was like a monastery. It was connected to a larger monastery in France called Bec Abbey.
Later, in 1415, the Priory changed. It became Stoke College. This new college was set up to support a small group of priests and singers. It was supported by Edmund Mortimer, 5th Earl of March.
Important People and Changes
During a time called the English Reformation, Matthew Parker was in charge of Stoke College. He helped bring new ideas and learning to the college. This sometimes caused disagreements with the Priory in Clare.
In 1548, Stoke College was closed down. Its land was bought by John Cheke and Walter Mildmay. The village was also home to the Elwes family, who were important landowners.
Major-General Edward Loch, 2nd Baron Loch, a senior officer in the British Army, is buried in the churchyard of St John the Baptist. There is also a special memorial for him inside the church.
What to See in Stoke-by-Clare Today
St John the Baptist Church
The village church is called St John the Baptist. It has a special pulpit that once belonged to Matthew Parker. The church also has unique paintings on its walls. One of these paintings is thought to be from the time of Queen Mary I.
Stoke College Today
Stoke College is now an independent school. It teaches students aged 11 to 18 years old. The village used to have a train station on the Stour Valley Railway, but it is no longer open.
Famous People from Stoke-by-Clare
- Gilbert Fitz Richard (born around 1066, died around 1117) was an important landowner. He helped start the first Priory in Clare.
- Matthew Parker (1504-1575) was a very important clergyman. He became the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England in 1559.
