Authentic New England Clam Chowder

Name: Authentic New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 2 dozen cherrystone clams; 1 cup water; 1-2 cups bottled clam juice (to supplement juice from the clams); 2 cups seafood stock (plus more if needed); 2 bacon slices, diced; 1 onion, diced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves, chopped; 3 medium potatoes, peeled, diced; 2-3 cups heavy cream; 4 tablespoons dry sherry; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce; Oyster crackers