Clare's Living History
A journey through 5,000 years of history in the picturesque Suffolk market town that cradles Hornsey's Boutique. From Neolithic hunters to Norman barons, monastic scholars to master brewers—discover the remarkable layers beneath Clare's charming facade.
Welcome to Clare
Perched gracefully on the north bank of the River Stour in southwest Suffolk, Clare (recorded as 'Clara' in the Domesday Book of 1086) is far more than just another pretty market town. With archaeological evidence stretching back to the Neolithic period and continuous habitation through Roman, Saxon, and Norman eras, Clare represents a microcosm of English history preserved in amber.
The town's significance was cemented when William the Conqueror granted it to his kinsman, Richard fitz Gilbert, in the 11th century. The de Clare dynasty that followed became one of medieval England's most powerful families, their influence spreading from Clare Castle to giving names to County Clare in Ireland and Clare College, Cambridge. Yet despite this noble lineage, Clare has always remained a working community—a market town where agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship have thrived for centuries.
Today, while celebrated for winning Village of the Year in 2010 and its stunning floral displays, Clare's true character lies in its remarkable preservation of history at every turn. From the imposing earthworks of an Iron Age hill fort to the serene ruins of a 13th-century Augustinian priory, from medieval timber-framed houses to Victorian railway architecture transformed into a country park—Clare offers a tangible connection to England's layered past.
Ancient Foundations: 5,000 Years of Human Story
Long before the de Clares or even the Romans, Clare's strategic position overlooking the Stour Valley attracted settlers. The most compelling evidence comes from the remarkable worked flint arrowhead discovered on Bridewell Street—a beautifully crafted Neolithic tool that speaks of skilled hunters traversing this landscape around 4,000 BC.
Dominating the northern approach to the town is 'Clare Camp,' one of Suffolk's most impressive Iron Age hill forts. With double ditches, inner ramparts standing 9 feet high, and counterscarps reaching 14 feet, this 2.9-hectare enclosure was a substantial settlement. Recent surveys suggest entrances on the eastern and southern sides, indicating careful planning. Positioned on the border between the territories of the Trinovantes and Iceni tribes, this fort likely marked Clare's first permanent settlement—a place of security and community in a contested landscape.
Roman influence is evidenced by finds including a bronze figurine of Mercury (or possibly a dancing boy), sepulchral urns, coins, and building materials that found their way into later structures. Though substantial Roman settlements existed at nearby Wixoe and Long Melford, Clare's position on the prehistoric route that would become part of the Via Devana military road ensured its continuing significance through the centuries of Roman Britain.
Archaeological Treasures
- Neolithic flint arrowhead (Bridewell Street)
- Iron Age hill fort (Clare Camp)
- Belgic Trinovantes coin
- Bronze Age barrows near Ashen
- Iron Age pottery from river bank
- Roman boundary ditch (Nethergate Street)
These finds, many displayed in The Ancient House Museum, testify to continuous human activity in Clare from prehistoric times to the present day.
Industrial Heritage: The Railway Era
From Steam to Green Space
The arrival of the Stour Valley Railway in 1865 connected Clare to the wider world, bringing new economic opportunities and transforming the town's relationship with surrounding communities. The railway station became a hub of activity, with goods wagons carrying agricultural produce from Suffolk's fertile fields and bringing in manufactured goods from industrial centers.
Today, this industrial heritage has been beautifully repurposed as the Clare Country Park. The disused railway line now forms peaceful walking and cycling paths, while original structures like the wagon shed (with its loading crane) and the charming waiting room have been preserved as historical features within the parkland.
This transformation from industrial transport corridor to community green space exemplifies Clare's ability to honor its past while adapting to contemporary needs—a theme that resonates throughout the town's history.
The Nethergate Legacy: Clare's Brewing Heritage
Dr Ian Hornsey's Vision
The story of Nethergate Brewery begins with Dr. Hornsey, a master brewer whose expertise and passion for traditional methods led him to establish the brewery in Clare in 1986 with business partner. Starting with a single beer—a traditional Yorkshire-style Best Bitter—Ian focused on quality cask ale using the finest ingredients.
The brewery quickly gained acclaim for its distinctive creations. The Old Growler Porter, with its rich, complex character, became a flagship beer celebrated nationwide. Perhaps most innovative were the Umbel Ale and Umbel Magna, which revived the ancient use of coriander in brewing—a spice largely forgotten by modern breweries but historically significant in British brewing traditions.
Under Dr, Hornsey's guidance, Nethergate grew from a local concern to a nationally recognized brand, winning the prestigious Good Pub Guide's 'Brewery of the Year' award in 2011. Though the brewery moved to Pentlow in 2005 and later to Long Melford, its heart and legendary recipes were born here in Clare. Ian's legacy as a master brewer, innovator, and True Philosopher of Fermantation is permanently woven into the town's story.
Legendary Brews
Nethergate's success was built on a combination of traditional methods and innovative recipes that captured the essence of British brewing heritage while appealing to modern palates.
Old Growler Porter (5.0% ABV): The brewery's most famous creation, this rich, dark porter with notes of chocolate, coffee, and dark fruit became an instant classic. Its name reflects both the porter style and the "old growler" nickname for the London underground trains.
Umbel Ale (3.8% ABV) & Umbel Magna (5.0% ABV): These groundbreaking beers revived the ancient use of coriander in brewing. The "umbel" refers to the coriander's flower structure, while "Magna" denotes the stronger version. Their distinctive spiced character set them apart in the British beer scene.
Suffolk County Best Bitter (4.0% ABV): The beer that started it all—a perfectly balanced traditional bitter that showcased Hornsey's mastery of classic British brewing techniques.
Augustinian Ale (4.5% ABV): Named in honor of Clare's Augustinian priory, this best bitter celebrated the town's monastic heritage while continuing Nethergate's commitment to quality and tradition.
These beers, along with seasonal specials and limited editions, cemented Nethergate's reputation and ensured that Clare's name would be celebrated in pubs and beer festivals across the country.
The Building's Journey: From Barbershop to Boutique
Hornsey's Boutique occupies a building with a rich history of serving the Clare community—a history that perfectly reflects the town's evolution from traditional market town to contemporary destination while honoring its past.
For much of the 20th century, this was a traditional 'Jug and Bottle' off-licence—the kind of establishment where locals would bring their own containers to be filled with ale, wine, or spirits. In an era before supermarkets and packaged drinks, these shops were community hubs where news was exchanged, recommendations given, and local preferences understood. The "Jug and Bottle" served not just as a retail space but as a social institution, connecting townspeople with brewers and vintners while providing a essential service.
Before becoming an off-licence, historical records and local memory indicate the premises served as a barber shop. In an age when barbershops were centers of male social life—places for gossip, debate, and community connection as much as for haircuts and shaves—this building would have buzzed with conversation about local affairs, agricultural matters, and town gossip.
Perhaps most significantly, the building's location places it adjacent to 'The Brewers House'—the former home of Ian Hornsey himself. This proximity creates a tangible, physical connection between Clare's brewing heritage and its current incarnation as a home for curated luxury. The master brewer who put Clare on the map for beer enthusiasts lived literally next door to where townspeople would come to purchase their ale—a perfect symmetry of production and consumption, creator and community.
Today, as Hornsey's Boutique, we continue this legacy of community service, quality, and personal attention. Just as the barber understood each customer's preferred style and the off-licence manager knew which ale a regular would enjoy, we take pride in understanding our clients' tastes and preferences. From traditional shaves to timeless shapes, from serving pints to providing perfect fits—this space has always been about serving the people of Clare with care, expertise, and a deep connection to this special place.