Hello and welcome to the Clemence–Irons House audio tour. Prepare to step back in time as we explore this fascinating relic of early American architecture and history.
Let’s begin in the year 1691, when Richard Clemence, a farmer with roots in the western part of England, laid the foundation for what would become one of the most historically significant structures in Rhode Island. This house is a rare example of a ‘stone ender,’ a style characterized by a massive chimney made of stone, which was a common architectural feature in colonial Rhode Island. As you stand here, imagine the bustling life of the late 17th century, a world of settlers and pioneers forging a new existence in America.
Over the centuries, the Clemence–Irons House witnessed a parade of owners and transformations. By 1938, it had expanded to an impressive 13 rooms, which included various additions reflecting the needs and tastes of its different inhabitants. However, its true historical essence was recognized by Henry Sharpe and his sisters, Ellen Sharpe and Louisa Sharpe Metcalf, who purchased the property and undertook a mission to restore its original 17th-century grandeur.
They enlisted the expertise of Norman Isham, a prominent restoration architect, who had previously worked on similar historic projects, including the nearby Eleazer Arnold House. Isham’s meticulous research revealed the house’s original plan, which featured one-and-a-half stories, a rear lean-to, and a steep gable roof. His restoration brought to life the original four-room layout on the first floor, a deviation from the typical one-room design of other stone enders.
As you listen, picture the early American settlers gathered in the great room, warmed by the large hearth, which was the heart of the home. Imagine the aromas of colonial meals wafting from the kitchen in the rear lean-to, where family life bustled and stories of the day’s work were shared.
The Clemence–Irons House stands not only as a testament to colonial architecture but also as a window into mid-20th-century restoration practices. After its restoration, it was donated in 1947 to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, now known as Historic New England, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
In 2003, further validation of its historical authenticity was achieved through dendrochronology—a scientific method that dates the wood used in the construction—which confirmed the 1691 build date.
Today, the Clemence–Irons House is open to the public from June to mid-October, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of New England history. As you conclude your tour, consider the enduring legacy of this remarkable house, not just as a building, but as a storyteller of the region’s early days and the evolution of restoration philosophy.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through time. We hope you leave with a deeper appreciation of Rhode Island’s colonial past and the stories these walls hold.
