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Ancient House Museum
The Ancient House Museum is getting ready for the forthcoming 2001 season.
Among the exhibits on show for the first time this year is the original baton used by the local Police Constable during 19th century. Handsomely decorated in red and gold, it was bought by public subscription when it was sold at Boardmans auction last year.
Also on show is one of the original warrants for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, signed by Elizabeth I! The various warrants have been sent on a tour around the country to explain this event, and this is the one which came to Clare.
The local industry to be featured this year is brewing. In earlier days, most of the inns and beer houses in Clare - of which more than 20 have been documented – brewed their own beer using hops from Clare Kiln and malt from Clare Maltings.
An illustrated guidebook is available describing brewing techniques as well as a wealth of historical information about the inns which frequented the town. The guide also shows Clare’s own Nethergate Brewery in action as they continue to uphold this long tradition.
The Ancient House Museum also houses a recently enhanced, computerised genealogical database spanning the last 400 years. The records contain listings of people who lived in Clare during this time and have been further updated with lists of apprentices, immigrants and emigrants of the 17th, 18th and 19th century.
Additions have also been made to the databases on Clare wills and Clare houses together with 19th century records of the Independent Church.
Opening hours for the Ancient House remain the same as last year: Thursday, Friday and Sunday 2.00pm - 5.00pm; Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 11.30am - 5.00pm.
The trustees would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in helping to run the museum, or to work on the collection. For further information contact the curator, David Ridley on 01787 277520.
Date : 01-04-2001
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