Snape

The village of Snape, near Bedale in North Yorkshire, has a secret hidden in plain sight. On the edge of the village lies Snape Castle, a semi-fortified manor house dating back to the early 15th century. It belonged to the Neville family and before she became Henry VIII's sixth wife in 1543, Katherine Parr lived here. (She was married to John Neville, who died early in 1543). 

Later in its history, the castle was neglected and left in the care of an agent. Parts of it are now ruined - rather a Romantic ruin, one feels -  though the main body of the castle is still a private residence and it cannot currently be visited.

Its hidden secret is its chapel, originally a private chapel for the castle, where Katherine Parr would almost certainly have worshipped (and may well have married John Neville). On an upper floor, and usually open to the public, it dates back to the 15th century though it was renovated around 1720. 

In the early 1700s the original ceiling of the chapel was removed and a plaster ceiling installed, painted by the Italian artist Antonio Verrio and depicting scenes from Revelation 12:7 - 'War and Wonder in Heaven'. By the late 18th century the chapel was used as a store for grain and rapeseed! Sadly, the ceiling has been ruined by damp and the frescos are now impossible to discern. 

The finely carved reredos behind the altar, dated 1725, had better luck, and there are some good stained glass windows too. 

The chapel is still used for worship and, though now lit by electricity, it retains its old gas lamps. 

From the road through Snape village, the castle is largely hidden by high walls but from the back looking across fields it is plainer to see. It's a fascinating piece of history.