Calling In On Clare

Clare,

the little town of Clare in Suffolk

lots of old buildings,

some half-timbered,

and some with decorative plaster-work

or "pargetting"

This extravagant example

is partly a museum,

partly a holiday let.

It has a scattering of small shops,

independent traders.

An interesting display

of old bottles.

A fine old church,

built during the town's boom period,

when wool ruled everything.

Nowadays the tourist rules,

though it's still a busy little town.

The Swan pub.

Set in the wall above the pub door

is a mighty oak beam

with a carved swan and other symbols

It's thought to be the oldest pub sign

in England.

And there are still some workaday establishments,

the kind that have largely disappeared elsewhere.

And a huge ancient man-made mound,

with the remains of a castle on top.

You can shop for antiques

if that's your thing,

or sit in the sun 

 and enjoy 

 a cuppa.

Take care.