These ornate outbuildings are part of a castle few know, once connected to Henry VIII & at the centre of a terrifying ordeal. You can see these ruins and visit the old chapel although you can't inside Snape Castle itself, which lies between Masham & Bedale. Henry VIII's 6th & final wife (she outlived him), Katharine Parr once lived there.
She was previously married to Latimer, and was living in Snape Castle at the time of the 'Pilgrimage of Grace' in 1536. This series of rebellions was a protest against Henry VIII's religious policies and the dissolution of monasteries.
An angry mob of Catholics dragged Latimer from the Castle, leaving Katharine alone with her two stepchildren for 6 months. At one stage they believed Latimer was about to betray them to Henry VIII and the mob stormed the Castle again, taking Katharine and her stepchildren hostage. They threatened to burn the Castle to the ground and kill everyone if Latimer didn't return. Luckily he was able to come back and convince them to leave the family alone. After Latimer died in 1543, Katharine married King Henry VIII - and managed to survive him.
Snape is an interesting little village, with houses either side of the beck which is criss-crossed by several narrow bridges, including one with a commemorative mosaic. I love the small Carricks deli, packed with goodies. At the bottom of the lane is Casle Arms Inn Snape which serves good food. Near by is Thorp Perrow Arboretum Wildlife Park, much loved for its walks and tea-room.