Living in this same cottage for almost forty years, John Clare began the early part of his life toiling in the surrounding fields and villages, working as ploughboy, potboy, lime burner and gardener. Teaching himself to read and write, John Clare published his first book of poems in 1820. Achieving overnight literary acclaim, he was known as the ‘peasant poet’ because of his rurally themed works.

Revered today for both his poetry and life story, people from across the globe come to Helpston to capture the essence of this self taught man in his own ‘much loved place’.

Now owned by the John Clare Trust, John Clare’s cottage has been lovingly restored to ensure his works go on to inspire and educate a new generation.

Working in partnership with the John Clare Trust, Royal Haskoning helped the Trust secure a £1.50 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant and, alongside architects Jefferson Sheard, managed the construction process to restore the original 16th century cottages and design and build a visitor annex. Work began in June 2008 and on 13 July 2009, John Clare’s birthday, the site was opened to the public.

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