ST MARY’S CHAPEL, SNAPE CASTLE
Welcome Aptly described as a hidden jewel, this wonderful chapel attached to Snape Castle, is guaranteed to delight visitors. Steeped in history and surrounded by romantic ruins, both the chapel and castle were built in the early 15th century. It was enhanced and beautified in 1720 by the Cecil family, owners of Burghley House, near Stamford. Bench pews were added in 1836 and following a period of neglect, the chapel was restored in 1874. The Castle and Chapel were once owned by Richard III and was at one time the home of Katherine Parr, 6th wife of Henry VIII before her marriage.
Website Refurbishment ( June 2011) - The site is currently being refurbished. The facts remain the same, it is still a lovely place to visit. We are going to add more detail on the Parish of Well with Snape, and the ongoing project to discover more about the Fallen in two World Wars from the villages of Snape and Well. The contact details are now correct.
The Benefice of West Tanfield The Castle Chapel is one of four churches in the Benefice, the furthest away being in N Stainley near Ripon, then West Tanfield with the Rectory and St Michael’s in Well about one mile to our South.The Benefice is part of the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds
The Chapel is open every day for visitors who of course we are most pleased to see. A full explanation of how to find Snape can be found at the link Finding Us On entering the village from the main road look for the Castle Chapel Open sign. Follow the path and on through the door follow the path under the old castle foundations to the obvious stairs, the Chapel is at the head of stairs.
