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Andrew McCulloch takes part in the John Clare Walk

From the 9 - 13 July 2009, our Chief Executive, Dr Andrew McCulloch walked over 4 days to mark the formal opening of The John Clare Heritage Centre. As well as celebrating the new heritage centre and John Clare's legacy, Andrew is also raising awareness and funds for the Mental Health Foundation.

 

Who was John Clare?

 

John Clare (1793 - 1864) was an English poet. In his time, he was commonly known as "the Northamptonshire Peasant Poet". Born the son of a farm labourer at Helpston, which at the time of his birth was in the Soke of Peterborough, which itself was part of Northamptonshire.

 

His poetry underwent a major re-evaluation in the late 20th century and he is often now considered to be one of the most important 19th century poets.

 

Following brief literary success Clare gradually slipped into obscurity. Throughout his adult life Clare suffered with mental illness, spending 2 periods in lunatic asylums.  

 

On 20 July 1841, after 4 years residence in High Beach asylum, John Clare absconded and walked over 80 miles north to Northborough, his home since 1832. He walked for four days.

 

Andrew McCulloch
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What is the John Clare Heritage Centre?

  

In 2007, the John Care Cottage Trust purchased Clare Cottage, the home where John Clare was born, lived and worked, preserving it for future generations. They are developing the cottage into an:

 

  • environmental and educational centre of excellence

  • writers' retreat

  • visitor centre.

 

This centre is a dynamic educational centre, engaging not only with Clare’s exceptional life but with a long history of changing attitudes and activities in rural communities. It will also enrich people's knowledge of the lyrical and scientific wonder of the countryside. It will set the creative benchmark for education and environment training.

 

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What is the John Clare walk?

 

The John Clare Walk encompassed 4 long distant routes between High Beach and John Clare's home in Northborough/Helpston. The walk was over 4 days and the final day of July 13 coincided with the formal opening of The John Clare Heritage Centre in Helpston, Northamptonshire. 

 

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Support Andrew on his walk

 

Support Andrew on his walk by sponsoring him on his Just Giving webpage.

 

For further details please contact The John Clare Trust on:

 

 

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