1793-1864. English poet. His work includes
Poems Descriptive of Rural Life 1820, The
Village Minstrel 1821, and Shepherd's
Calendar 1827. Clare's work was largely
rediscovered in the 20th century. Born at
Helpstone, near Peterborough, the son of a
farm labourer, Clare spent most of his life
in poverty. He was given an annuity from the
Duke of Exeter and other patrons, but had to
turn to work on the land. He spent his last
20 years in Northampton asylum. His early
life is described in his autobiography, first
published 1931.