Clare Ratcliffe: The Strong, Private Woman Behind Ben Stokes’ Family, Career and Success

Clare Ratcliffe, now known as Clare Stokes, is a British teaching professional, dance graduate, cheerleading coach, mother and wife of England cricketer Ben Stokes. She became widely known because of her relationship with one of England’s most celebrated cricket stars, yet her own life carries strong personal and professional value. She has built an identity through education, dance, coaching, family commitment and business responsibility.

Clare Ratcliffe was born on 7 October 1989 in East Brent, Somerset, United Kingdom. As of May 2026, she is 36 years old. Her zodiac sign is Libra, and her nationality is British. She is admired for maintaining a private, grounded and family-focused lifestyle despite being connected to a major sporting figure.

Clare Ratcliffe Age, Birthday and Background

Clare Ratcliffe’s date of birth is 7 October 1989, making her 36 years old in May 2026. She was born in East Brent, Somerset, a village also connected with her later wedding to Ben Stokes. Her early life was shaped by education, dance and performance training.

Her academic and professional background includes BA Hons Dance and PGCE Primary Teaching. These qualifications show her connection with both creative performance and classroom education. Dance requires discipline, confidence and physical control, while teaching requires patience, structure and emotional intelligence. Clare’s background brings these qualities together.

Clare Ratcliffe Quick Facts

Clare Ratcliffe and Ben Stokes’ Marriage

Clare Ratcliffe married Ben Stokes on 14 October 2017. Their wedding took place at St Mary the Virgin Church in East Brent, Somerset. The ceremony attracted attention because Ben was already one of England cricket’s most powerful and recognisable players.

The wedding was attended by several cricket names, including Joe Root, Alastair Cook, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler and Paul Collingwood. It was a warm family occasion with strong links to the cricket community.

Ben Stokes, born in June 1991, is younger than Clare. Their relationship began before his greatest cricket achievements, which makes their bond more meaningful. Clare stood beside him through the difficult, demanding and emotional stages of elite sport.

Clare Ratcliffe as Ben Stokes’ Wife

Life as Ben Stokes’ wife is not simply about fame. International cricket involves long tours, intense pressure, injuries, public judgement and time away from home. Clare has played a steady role in supporting Ben through these pressures.

Ben has spoken with deep appreciation for her support. Her calm presence has helped him maintain balance during major cricketing moments. Behind great sporting careers, family often becomes the strongest emotional foundation. Clare has provided that foundation while also protecting her own identity.

Clare Ratcliffe Children and Family Life

Clare Ratcliffe and Ben Stokes have two children: Layton and Libby. Layton was born in 2012, and Libby was born in 2015. Family is central to the Stokes household, and Ben has often shown how deeply his wife and children matter to him.

One of Ben’s most recognisable tattoos is a lion family design across his back. The tattoo symbolises his family unit and reflects the importance of Clare and their children in his life. This personal symbol has become part of Ben’s wider identity.

Clare has maintained a careful boundary around family life. Although her children’s names are known, she avoids turning them into constant public figures. Her parenting style reflects warmth, pride and protection.

Clare Ratcliffe Daughter Libby and Dance

Clare’s daughter Libby has developed a strong interest in dance and cheerleading. Clare has shared proud moments from Libby’s competitions, including first-place achievements and a technical award for her solo performance. She has also celebrated Libby’s duo success with warmth and enthusiasm.

This connection between Clare and Libby is important. Clare’s own dance background naturally supports her daughter’s creative and competitive journey. It shows a family culture shaped by sport, performance, discipline and teamwork.

Clare Ratcliffe Career in Teaching, Dance and Cheerleading

Clare Ratcliffe has a professional background in teaching, dance and cheerleading coaching. She holds a BA Hons Dance qualification and a PGCE Primary Teaching qualification. These credentials give her biography substance beyond her marriage to Ben Stokes.

Her teaching background reflects her ability to work with children and young people. Primary teaching demands organisation, patience and care. Her dance background adds creativity, movement training and performance discipline.

Clare Ratcliffe as a Cheerleading and Dance Coach

Clare is connected with Hartlepool Hawks, a cheerleading and dance organisation. Her coaching credentials include BGU Level 1 Cheerleading Coach, BGU Jazz, Pom and Lyrical Advanced, and First Aider. These qualifications show that she has formal training within cheerleading and dance coaching.

Her own social media words also show her coaching identity. In one caption, she celebrated her daughter’s success as a parent, then added that, as a coach, she was proud of all her athletes. That statement clearly shows her dual role as both mother and coach.

Why Clare Ratcliffe’s Coaching Role Matters

Clare’s coaching role gives her biography a stronger personal dimension. She is not only connected with a famous cricketer; she works with young athletes and supports their development. Cheerleading and dance require confidence, stamina, timing, coordination and mental strength. A good coach helps young performers develop these qualities while preparing them for competition.

This part of Clare’s life shows leadership, care and commitment. It also connects beautifully with her daughter Libby’s achievements in dance and cheerleading.

Clare Ratcliffe and BAS Promotions Limited

Clare Ratcliffe also has a business connection through BAS Promotions Limited, a company associated with Ben Stokes. She has served as company secretary since 9 October 2013 and became a director on 6 April 2023. Ben Andrew Stokes is also a director of the company.

Her role in the business shows trust, responsibility and long-term involvement in the administrative side of Ben’s professional life. It also connects her maiden name, Clare Ratcliffe, with her married name, Clare Stokes.

Clare Ratcliffe on Instagram

Clare uses the name Clare Stokes on Instagram and is connected with the handle @clarey11. Her Instagram presence focuses on family, dance, cheerleading, celebrations and support for Ben. She does not use social media as a loud celebrity platform. Instead, her posts reflect pride in her children, warmth for her family and involvement in coaching.

Her captions about Libby, Hartlepool Hawks and her athletes show a genuine connection with youth performance and competition.

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Clare Ratcliffe and the 2024 Home Burglary

In October 2024, the Stokes family faced a frightening burglary while Ben was away in Pakistan for England duty. Clare and the children were inside the home when masked intruders entered. They were not physically harmed, but the incident caused emotional distress.

Personal items were taken, including Ben’s OBE medal and jewellery. The incident showed the pressures that can come with life beside a high-profile sports figure. Clare handled the situation privately, with her family’s safety placed first.

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Final Overview

Clare Ratcliffe is a British woman with strength, education, talent and family values. She is 36 years old, born on 7 October 1989, married to Ben Stokes, and mother to Layton and Libby. Her life includes teaching, dance, cheerleading coaching, business responsibility and family support.

She deserves recognition beyond the title of Ben Stokes’ wife. Her story is about discipline, loyalty, motherhood, coaching and quiet confidence. Clare Ratcliffe, now Clare Stokes, remains an important figure in the personal world behind one of England cricket’s greatest modern players.

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FAQs

1. Who is Clare Ratcliffe?

Clare Ratcliffe, now known as Clare Stokes, is a British teacher, dance graduate, cheerleading and dance coach, and the wife of England cricketer Ben Stokes. She is also connected with BAS Promotions Limited and is known for her private, family-focused lifestyle.

2. How old is Clare Ratcliffe?

Clare Ratcliffe was born on 7 October 1989. She is 36 years old as of May 2026.

3. Is Clare Ratcliffe married?

Yes, Clare Ratcliffe is married to England cricketer Ben Stokes. The couple married on 14 October 2017 at St Mary the Virgin Church in East Brent, Somerset.

4. Does Clare Ratcliffe have children?

Yes, Clare Ratcliffe and Ben Stokes have two children: a son named Layton and a daughter named Libby.