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Clare Priory is one of the oldest religious
houses in England; situated in the shadows of Clare Castle on the banks of
the River Stour, Suffolk. Established in 1248 at the invitation of Richard de Clare it was the first house of the Austin (or Augustinian) Friars in England. Following its suppression in 1538, the house passed through many hands and uses until the Augustinian Friars purchased the house in 1953 and returned to their origins in England.
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| Clare Priory today acts as a Parish and as a Retreat Centre. It is the home of a mixed community of Augustinian friars and lay people, open to both men and women, seeking to live the Christian life according to the Rule of St. Augustine. The Rule of St. Augustine emphasises the need to search for God together in order to achieve oneness of mind and heart.
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"Before all else, live together in harmony,
being of one mind and one heart on the way to God."
(Rule of St. Augustine Ch 1.2)
The Community of Clare Priory welcomes all visitors, either to visit our picturesque grounds, ruins and shrine or for longer stays for either individual or group retreats.
The Priory offers excellent modern retreat
facilities in our
renovated Stable House, with en-suite and disabled facilities. Alternatively you can
stay in the Priory, which houses both single and family rooms and rooms for
smaller groups. Please contact us for further
information.