Earlier Houses: There were probably two earlier houses on, or near, the site of the current house.

Built / Designed For: Sir John Sidley

House & Family History: Built by Sir John Sidley circa 1630 and adapted by William Evelyn in the first part of the 18th century, St. Clere is an exceptionally fine Charles I house. In 1878 the estate was purchased by Sir Mark Wilks Collet. Sir Mark was a noted governor of the Bank of England; his nephew, Montagu Norman, later 1st Baron Norman of St. Clere, became one of the best-known, and most controversial, governors of the bank, holding office from 1920 until 1944, the longest such term on record. Norman's descendants continue to live at the house today. St. Clere is widely considered to be one of the earliest examples of the Wren style house. It contains a chimneypiece designed by Sir John Soane that came from Soane's Bank of England.

Collections: In November of 2005 Christie's conducted an auction of items from St. Clere, declared as "surplus to requirements."

Country Life: CXXXI, 450, 518, 1962.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Not Listed

Current Seat / Home of: Norman family

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: Aldham family. St Clere family, until circa 1450. Henry Lovell. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Sir John Sidley, 2nd Bt., 17th century. William Glanville (Evelyn), until 1813; Lt. Col. William John Evelyn, 19th century. Sir Mark Wilks Collet, 1st Bt., 19th century. Montagu Collet Norman, 1st Baron Norman, 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No