Snape

The village was originally known as Snapes, meaning ‘boggy place’, the first settlement was down by the river. During the 12th and 13th centuries there was a large increase in the population and the town moved to higher and safer grounds around the common.On the banks of the river Alde once able to berth 100-ton sailing barges loaded with malt made from Suffolk barleyThe beautiful granaries and malt-houses have been converted into one of the largest Concert Halls in the world.Benjamin Britten once owned the Old Mill in the centre of the village, and it was here that he wrote the opera Peter Grimes. His connections with Snape are shown on the village sign.There are many tales relating smugglers, some are quite gruesome and some romantic.The Captains Cabin in the High St, is a warm and cosy pub with great atmosphere, inexpensive meals and very generous servings especially if you are after good homemade soup and pies.The Crown Inn overlooks the marshes and from one of the dormer windows the ‘all clear’ sign would be given to smugglers, allowing them to bring their illegal goods up the river. The Plough & Sail is a traditional country pub with a well stocked bar and offers