The Castle Ruins

Clare Castle, including the impressively high motte with the Keep on top, was originally built of wood by Richard Bienfait (Richard FitzGilbert) having been given the lands by William the Conqueror ten years after the Norman Invasion in 1066.

The wooden structure was later replaced by flints and the castle remained an impressive stronghold until the late 1400s.

Shortly after being given the castle Richard Bienfait changed his name to de Clare and for over 300 years the de Clares and their descendants were the owners.

The castle then passed into royal hands which, through their neglect, was in ruins by the 1500s when it was sold.  In Victorian times it was compulsorily purchased to form part of the Great Eastern Railway.

After the closure of the railway it became part of Clare Castle Country Park that was opened in 1972.