the cleres were an ancient norfolk family. sir robert clere was famous for his great wealth and served as high sheriff of norfolk in 1501. his son sir john clere was treasurer of the king's army in france in 1549. sir john's son edward clere represented both thetford and grampound in parliament. edward's son sir edward clere was high sheriff of norfolk in 1586 but was forced to sell the family estate of blickling hall. sir edward's son was the first baronet.