Snitterfield
The name Snytenfield appears on a map dated 1630 by John Speed. Earlier records show the spelling Snitfield in 1814. The word Feld signifies a cleared stretch of land amid the Forest of Arden. Snyten refers to the snipe frequenting the meadows near the Sherbourne Brook which runs through the village. Margaret Gelling wrote about Place Names in the Landscape in 1984 regarding this origin. At the time of the Norman Conquest Saxi held Snitefeld as a free man. He also possessed land at Walton, Charlecote, Bramcote, Dorsington and Werlavescote. By 1086 it was held by the Count of Meulan. The Domesday Book for Warwickshire edited by John Morris recorded four hides of land. There were ten slaves and eleven villagers with a priest and four smallholders. Meadow covered twelve acres. The value before 1066 and later stood at £4 but rose to 100s.
Welcombe Hills vineyard was established in 2001 situated at Vine Cottage, Kings Lane, Snitterfield. It produces English wines from Pinot Noir, Dornfelder and Bacchus grape varieties. In August 2009 all five Welcombe Hills wines entered in the Mercian Vineyards Association regional competition won medals. Prospero Barn houses Structured Training Ltd, SalesPathways Ltd and Predaptive OD Ltd. This building reflects Shakespearean connections since Prospero is a character in The Tempest. Other employers include the Stratford Manor Hotel and a Mercedes-Benz dealership. Wyevale Garden Centre operates locally. Factoring Partners stands as one of the United Kingdom's oldest-established independent factoring brokerages. The village population reached 1,226 according to the 2011 census. Councillor Peter Richards represents the ward for Stratford-on-Avon District Council. Manuela Perteghella serves as MP following the 2024 election.
The parish church of St. James the Great consists of a chancel nave north and south aisles and a west tower. Modern vestries sit north of the chancel and south of the tower. The south arcade probably dates from the latter half of the 13th century. The north aisle came from the early 14th century. Similarity of windows suggests the south aisle was widened after the north aisle was built. The chancel built of rubble has great length compared with the nave. Large windows punctuate its walls. The west tower was erected in several successive stages. The lowest part appeared in the early 14th century. It continued up another eight or ten feet about 1340 with ashlar walling. Completion occurred around 1400 in ashlar of larger stones. The clerestory was added early in the 16th century. Weaknesses in the arcades caused trouble especially the northern one showing inequalities in arches. Most capitals were crudely remoulded during partial reconstructions. A description from 1858 mentions the chancel was heavily buttressed on the north side. Windows had lost their tracery before that time. Galleries erected in 1841 damaged masonry causing scars and repairs.
The Monarch's Way passes through Snitterfield as a long-distance footpath approximating King Charles II escape route. King's Lane owes its name to tradition saying Charles II rode through here with Jane Lane during his escape in September 1651. RAF Snitterfield a former Royal Air Force station sits to the west of the village. The northern section became Stratford Oaks Golf Course and Driving Range completed in 1992. The south-east side hosts a glider club. A sport horse training centre and riding school operate locally. Tennis bowls cricket and football form part of the sports club. The village grew with a ten per cent increase in housing between 2002 and 2003. Further development limits barn conversions and plots for no more than five properties. The Snitterfield Arms remains the only pub today. The Foxhunter pub suffered fire damage in June 2007. It lay dilapidated for five years before demolition following council application. Residential properties replaced it. Bearley & Snitterfield Scouts includes Beaver Cub and Scout sections.
John Grant was born in Snitterfield of an old and respected family. He lived at the now demolished moated house of Norbrook. Dorothy Wintour sister of Thomas Wintour married John Grant making him brother-in-law to Thomas Wintour. Robert Wintour and Catesby's servant Thomas Bates joined the Gunpowder Plot along with Grant in March 1605. Norbrook became plotters' Warwickshire headquarters and magazine where Grant stored gunpowder and weapons during summer 1605. He rode from here to Red Lion Inn Dunchurch to await news of Guy Fawkes attempt. Failure became known so conspirators dispersed. Some rested night of the 6th of November 1605 at Norbrook before going to Holbeche House Staffordshire. There they made final stand. Grant blinded when spark ignited wet gunpowder drying on journey. Eyes burnt out he captured and imprisoned in Tower of London. Thursday the 30th of January execution occurred outside St Paul's Cathedral London alongside Digby Thomas Wintour and Thomas Bates. He refused confession saying no sin against God. Blinded he allowed himself led quietly up ladder to halter. After crossing himself he went to death. Estate confiscated granted to Bartholomew Hales then Lord of Snitterfield.
Richard Jago rectored here from 1754 to 1781. He born 1715 at Beaudesert Rectory Henley in Arden where father Richard served as rector. Educated at Solihull School one house named after him met minor poet William Shenstone. University College awarded MA in 1738 curate at Snitterfield previous year. Vicar of Harbury appointed 1746 followed by Chesterton both Warwickshire then Snitterfield 1754 until death 1781. Lord Willoughby de Broke presented rectory at Kimcote Leicestershire 1771 resigned Harbury and Chesterton keeping Snitterfiled and Kimcote. Best known poem Edge Hill published 1767. Three silver birches planted vicarage garden by daughters. John Shakespeare father of William Shakespeare born here moved to Stratford married Mary Arden. 1579 surrendered family property interests in Snitterfield to Robert Webbe. Richard Shakespeare grandfather first mentioned manorial records 1535 finally 1560. Registers begin 1561 so believed died intervening time. Wife Abigail Webb mother of John died Snitterfield 1595. Son Henry remained parish until death 1596. John Wootton painter born Snitterfield around 1682. Probably received instruction from Jan Wyck 1690s patronised aristocratic households Beaufort and Coventry early age. Worked page Lady Anne Somerset at Snitterfield House. House south church built late 17th century demolished early 19th century. No real evidence exists save his painted view house and later family acquisition works. Joseph Farington saw Diana and Nymphs painting 1707 untraced at Antony House Cornwall. Bonny Black horse portrait 1711 Belvoir Castle Leicestershire earliest extant dated work. Moved London before first marriage Elizabeth Walsh 1706. Subscriber English Academy Painting Drawing 1711 elected steward Virtuosi Club St Luke's 1717. Died London the 13th of November 1764.
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Common questions
What is the origin of the name Snitterfield?
The name Snytenfield appears on a map dated 1630 by John Speed and signifies a cleared stretch of land amid the Forest of Arden where snipe frequent the meadows near the Sherbourne Brook.
Who was involved in the Gunpowder Plot from Snitterfield?
John Grant lived at Norbrook which served as plotters' Warwickshire headquarters and magazine where he stored gunpowder and weapons during summer 1605 before his execution on Thursday the 30th of January outside St Paul's Cathedral London.
When did Welcombe Hills vineyard establish its operations in Snitterfield?
Welcombe Hills vineyard was established in 2001 situated at Vine Cottage Kings Lane and produces English wines from Pinot Noir Dornfelder and Bacchus grape varieties.
How does the parish church of St. James the Great date back to historical periods?
The south arcade probably dates from the latter half of the 13th century while the north aisle came from the early 14th century with the west tower completed around 1400 in ashlar of larger stones.
What is the connection between Richard Jago and William Shakespeare family history?
Richard Jago rectored here from 1754 to 1781 and John Shakespeare father of William Shakespeare born in Snitterfield moved to Stratford married Mary Arden and surrendered family property interests in 1579.