Knebworth House is delighted to announce that former Archivist Clare Fleck has been honoured with a Heritage Hero Award by the Hertfordshire Association of Museums.
The Heritage Hero Award recognises exceptional contributions to museums across the county. Open to both volunteers and staff, the award acknowledges the vital role individuals and teams play in the success and continued development of museums. While not a judged award, each nomination is formally recognised as a celebration of dedication and service.
Clare served as Archivist at Knebworth House for 30 years before retiring six years ago. During her tenure, she undertook the formidable task of organising a largely uncatalogued private family estate, and business archive. Her work transformed access to the archive material, making the collection more readily available to researchers, authors, schools and the wider public.
In addition to her archival work, Clare initiated education workshops, delivered numerous talks, and supported publications through her assistance to historians and writers. She was also responsible for the care of the Knebworth House collections, introducing systems for pest management and environmental monitoring to ensure their long-term preservation.
Since retiring, Clare has continued to volunteer in the archive once a week. Her generosity in sharing her unrivalled knowledge, and her ongoing enthusiasm for the collection, remain invaluable. She is currently working on the extensive archive of the late Lord and Lady Cobbold, which was transferred to Knebworth House last year. The Lytton Cobbold family are deeply appreciative of her continued dedication.
“We have nominated Clare as our Heritage Hero as a small recognition and heartfelt thank you for everything she has done — and continues to do — for Knebworth House and the wider community,” said a spokesperson for Knebworth House. “Her contribution over more than three decades has been extraordinary.”
The Heritage Hero certificates were presented at the Hertfordshire Association of Museums Awards Ceremony on 4th March 2026 at the British Schools Museum. Although Clare was unable to attend the ceremony, her certificate was presented to her at Knebworth House the following day by Lord and Lady Cobbold.
Knebworth House warmly congratulates Clare on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her enduring commitment to preserving and sharing its rich heritage.
