Snape Castle

Snape Castle was built on the site of a former manor house c1430 for George Neville, 1st Lord Latimer. The site was later held by lease by Richard as duke and King, leading to it being an occasional home to Cecily Neville and Queen Anne [Neville]. It had continued use as a residence for significant individuals throughout the Tudor era and was updated to match changes in architectural fashion into the 18th century.

Origins of Snape Castle

Snape Castle was built on the site of a previous manor house. This Fortified Manor is believed to have been constructed for Ralph FitzRanulph of Middleham. The structure was built around a courtyard that measured 43 metres north-south and 55 metres east-west. It as not a moated manor house because much of the surrounding land was already impassable due to march like conditions in the area.

George Neville, 1st Lord Latimer’s Castle at Snape

a goodly castel in a valley longing to the Lorde Latimer, and ii or iii parkes welle woddid abowt it

John Leland, Itineraries [1534]

The main purpose of the new building at Snape seems to have been to provide a comfortable home for the family of Lord Latimer. In much the same way that places such as Sheriff Hutton and Wressle had been developed in a palatial style by his neighbours and relatives, Snape was set out to impress and act as a suitable place from which wider estates could be managed.

The layout is therefore quite impressive. The central building was rectangular with a tower at each corner. The towers were four storeys high, giving an indication of the size of the structure and the way in which its elegance would dominate the area.

 

Development of Snape Castle

Much of Lord Latimer’s home at Snape was redesigned in the 16th century for Sir Thomas Cecil. Some further alterations were made in the 18th century. As a result, the remains of Snape Castle have many Elizabethan features.

The building is rubblestone and ashlar, with a lead roof. Only the South Range of the original building remains fully intact, the remaining 3 ranges and corner towers are in a varied state of ruin.

The remaining Southern Range

The Southern range of Snape Castle has intact towers at each end. The range itself comprises 9 bays [windows]. The tower to east is 3 storeys high, the one to the west is 4 storeys high. Within the range itself the number of floors varies. The four bays to the western side have two storeys with the remaining bays to the eastern side incorporating three storeys.

In the 16th century a clock tower was added to the eastern tower and Sir Thomas Cecil created a great chamber within the main range that incorporates 2 windows that rise through two storeys.

A chapel was built into this part of Snape Castle and incorporates Eliabethan era designs.

Snape Castle and the House of York

In 1482 the estates at Snape were leased to Richard duke of Gloucester. This was the result of the duke’s ongoing efforts to ensure his dominance over the region, and in this instance to take control over lands held by Ricahrd Neville 2nd Baron Latimer, who was at the time a minor in the wardship of Cardinal Bourchier. This young lord was the grandson of George, 1st Baron Latimer of Snape, as George’s eldest son, Henry, had predeceased him. Richard duke of Gloucester’s interest was related to the ongoing inheritance matters that had rumbled on since the death of Richard Neville 16th Earl of Warwick at Barnet in 1471.

The Latimer inheritances were loosley linked to the Neville claims that he and his brother, George duke of Clarence, had wrangled over for years as they both sought to secure their wives share of the estates and their own preeminence in certain areas. With Ralph Neville, 2nd Baron Latimer being so young Richard had, since his brothers execution, been able to exert some pressure on the Neville’s of Westmorland to undertake quitclaims on some estates that may be subject to future disputes. Snape was one of these, so securing it was of value in the longer term.

As a result of Richard taking possession of Snape via lease, he was, as King, able to utilise the fine house as a place of residence for his mother, Cecily Neville, and on occasion for his wife, Anne Neville.

Snape Castle Links

Historic England – Official listing of Snape Castle.

Historic England – entry in the Heritage at Risk register.

Heritage Gateway – description of the site along with a series of sources.

Gatehouse Gazetteer – description of the castle and suggested sources.

 

Featured Image

Snape Castle. By Alison Stamp, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia.