Clare Claireor Clara St

Clare, Claire or Clara, St., the founder of the order that bears her name, was born in 1193 at Assisi of a noble family. She ran away from home at the age of 18. and placed herself under the direction of St. Francis. In 1212 she established an order of Minoresses, who conformed in dress and life to the rule of the Franciscans. She died in 1253, and was canonised two years later by Pope Alexander VI. The "Poor Clares" were introduced into England by Blanche of Navarre, and establishing themselves in Aldgate gave their name to the Minories.