Flowers, poetry, history and a four-mile walk in the footsteps of John Clare brought the community together for a special weekend celebrating the poet and his wife, Martha.
By Teresa Scott
Northborough joined July’s annual John Clare Festival with its own Posies for Patty celebrations, honouring the famous Northamptonshire poet and his wife Martha, affectionately known as Patty, who lived in the village for almost 40 years.
To celebrate the Clare family’s connection with Northborough, a poetry trail featuring extracts from John Clare’s Northborough Sonnets was created, alongside a free poetry hunt in Church Street. Two pupils from Northborough Primary School were the lucky winners of a sweet hamper and gift card donated by Sweets Treats in Bourne.
St Andrew’s Church was transformed with artwork and poetry created by local schoolchildren, who also placed beautiful posies on Patty’s grave. Volunteers added further floral decorations, while a spectacular cascade of crocheted flowers adorned the church porch.
Saturday’s celebrations in Helpston concluded with a special concert by Peterborough Choral Society at St Benedict’s Church.
Following in the Clare family’s footsteps
On Sunday morning, enthusiastic walkers set off from John Clare Cottage in Helpston to recreate the family’s historic journey to their new home in Church Street, Northborough.
The four-mile walk, inspired by Clare’s poem The Flitting, followed the route of the family’s move and offered an opportunity to appreciate the countryside that influenced so much of his writing.
Along the north bank of the Maxey Cut, walkers were joined by Richard Astle, chairman of the Langdyke Trust, who gave a fascinating insight into the landscape the Clare family would have encountered.
The sight of The Packhorse at the end of the walk was particularly welcome, with several participants stopping for a Poet’s Lunch and a well-earned pint.
History comes alive at St Andrew’s
The afternoon brought two well-attended talks at St Andrew’s Church.
Local historian and author Claire Richardson explored Martha Clare’s Northborough, while James Keech from Peterborough Archives introduced the fascinating Northborough Overseer of the Poor Book.
Discovered in a private house in Northborough, this remarkable historical document contains numerous references to John Clare as a village ratepayer from 1832. Carefully restored thanks to generous local donations, it can now be viewed at Peterborough Archives.
Visitors also enjoyed tea, cakes and a lively raffle, bringing a busy and memorable weekend to a close.
Organisers thanked everyone who attended, volunteered and supported the celebrations. All profits from the Northborough events were donated to St Andrew’s Church.
The weekend provided a fitting tribute not only to John Clare’s literary legacy, but also to Patty and the family’s enduring place in Northborough’s history.
