I know what you’re thinking. Who was Clifford and why did he need a rest? While this village takes its name from said Clifford, local historians have failed to agree on precisely which Clifford is being referred to. Some maintain he was a wealthy landowner, who retired to the area upon the passing of his rather fearsome wife. Others point to Captain Reginald Clifford, who was lost at sea after insisting that a sailor of his stature could surely find due north without the need for anything as silly as instruments. At least one account suggests Clifford was neither wealthy nor distinguished, merely exceptionally difficult to remove from the premises.

Whoever he was, Clifford’s Rest has become the place that many sailors choose to, well, rest. But it’s not restricted to former men of the sea; it’s a haven for anyone who desires peace, quiet, and the salty splendour of the sea air. Established a little distance inland from the coastal cliffs, it is one of the best places in Alderwick to experience the majesty, and chaos, of the sea without actually coming face to face with its dangers.

The village itself is a modest affair, consisting mostly of stone cottages, narrow lanes, and the occasional sheep wandering in from the adjoining Silverleaf Pastures. The ruins of Clifford's Folly stand on higher ground beyond the village. Once a substantial stone structure, the old stronghold has surrendered most of its walls to time, weather, and the occasional raid by persons who found its stones convenient for other purposes.

There isn’t much by way of accommodation, although the Mariner’s Rest does offer a few surprisingly comfortable rooms. They also have a lovely stew on occasion, which may or may not coincide with the disappearance of an errant sheep. The inn serves as the village's main gathering place, where former seamen exchange stories of storms, distant ports, and encounters that become more extraordinary as the evening progresses.