 The cottage in Helpston, England in which John Clare was born, lived,
and worked was purchased in July 2006 by the
John Clare Cottage
Trust. The aim, in close partnership with the
John Clare Society (U.K.) and
other organizations, is to conserve the cottage and to establish a
dynamic center for writing, education, and environmental activities
celebrating Clare’s legacy. Inspired by the life and work of John
Clare (1793-1864), and by his humble home in one corner of this
beautiful cottage in a rural corner of England, our mission is to inspire and educate new generations
about the natural world. The cottage will also become a major resource
for all those interested in the literary, social, natural, and cultural
history of Britain in the early nineteenth century.The John Clare Cottage Trust is developing the cottage into an international environmental educational centre of excellence, writers’ retreat, and outstanding seminar and reception venue. In addition to enriching people’s knowledge of the lyrical and scientific wonder of the countryside, the center will set the creative benchmark for education and environment training. The Trust will be active locally, regionally, and nationally and has already identified a range of educational projects in schools, colleges, and adult education. The John Clare Society of North America is assisting in this effort by seeking contributions from donors who reside in the United States. All funds raised for the John Clare Cottage Appeal will be used to conserve and develop the John Clare Cottage as an educational resource. Founded in 1997, the John Clare Society of North America is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, literary and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Donations by U.S. residents are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. U.K. residents and international donors should make their donations directly to the John Clare Cottage Trust. |