The parsonage was originally built for John Hancock I, the grandfather of the patriot John Hancock. Subsequently, the house was occupied by Jonas Clarke and his family. It was built on what later became Hancock Street. In 1775, just after midnight, Paul Revere arrived on horseback to inform John Hancock and Sam Adams that “the Regulars are out,” not the commonly known phrase, “The British are coming.” John Hancock and Sam Adams were guests at the Hancock-Clarke house at this time.
The house contains period furnishings and portraits. A barn behind the Hancock-Clarke House will be named the Ruth Morey Education Center.
The Hancock-Clarke house is owned and operated by the Lexington Historical Society.
