The Sign

Extracts taken from the snape village website.
The sign can be found on a small green on the B1069 in the village centre. The material is painted metal with wrought iron scrollwork. The Snape Village Sign was dedicated on 10th October, 1987 in memory of Ken Haslam, a Snape resident. The sign was designed by Jenny Toombs (of nearby Benhall) and made by Hector Moore at Brandeston Forge. 

• On the very top is a consecration cross found in the village church of St John the Baptist (the actual cross can only be part seen), to the north of the village.
• The Anglo-Saxon Ship, seen in the top-left quarter, refers to the Saxon burial-grounds along the Aldeburgh road. These were the subject of a series of major ‘digs’ some years ago led by Mrs ‘Muffett’ Harrison and the archaeologist, William Filmer-Sankey.
• The Monk commemorates a Benedictine Order in Snape, at the Priory of St. Mary. The remains of this Priory lie under the Chapel Fields.
• The Bridge shown in the lower-left hand quarter was the old bridge, which was built in 1802 and demolished in 1960.
• The Curlew symbolises his inspiration, drawn from the stunning countryside around the River Alde, for Britten's music drama "Curlew River", the first of his three "Parables for Church Performance".
• The Supports of the Sign represent the reeds growing by the Alde, so typical of the area.
• On the post of the sign are Memorial Plaques from the Snape and Farnham Royal British Legion, shown below.
• A bench surrounds the base of the post.

The Name and Population
The village was called Snapes in 1086 and Snape in 1275. The name could mean either "Boggy pasture" from Old Norse, or "Poor pasture" from Old English. The population was 611 at the 2011 census.

Other Points of Interest
Snape Maltings is a popular visitors centre and holds the Aldeburgh Festival here every year.

Snape and Farnham Royal British Legion Memorial Plaques