Pictures of Snowshill Manor

a Historic Building in the town of Snowshill, in the county of Gloucestershire

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About Snowshill Manor

The romantic atmosphere of Snowshill Manor is made more vibrant by stories of ghostly happenings deep in the past. Given that a manor has existed here since the year 821 when the manor belonged to Winchcombe Abbey, it is easy to find some of the tales quite believable. Included in the list of illustrious owners of Snowshill is Katherine Parr, wife of Henry VIII and one time Queen of England, she received it as a gift from the King. Over the centuries the house was altered and added to but its main body dates from around early in the 16th-century.

In 1919 the house came up for sale, it was in a virtually ruinous state, hidden in a vast wilderness of overgrown plants and trees, in a garden that had lain untended for decades. However, underneath the mire, Wade sensed the old glowing beauty of Snowshill, it appealed to his artistic nature, and so he decided to buy it. His programme of restoration precluded modernity, there were no major alterations, nor additions, neither was there any electricity, Wade much preferred the intimacy of oil lamps and candles. The mellow Cotswold stone of which the manor was built was restored to its former glory, so too was the interior panelling and the elaborate fire-places where in winter Wade burned enormous log fires.

Charles Paget Wade set about filling his home with the same passion and zest he had used for restoring it. Over the years he amassed a collection of every imaginable artefact, these included - armour, toys, tapestries, paintings, clocks, dolls, furniture, marine instruments, musical instruments, costumes, and even bicycles. Within his collection there were many oddities, some said to be quite bizarre! Noted socialites of the day visited the manor, friends included Virginia Woolf, John Betjeman and Graham Green. His great friend J.B. Priestly called Snowshill ' that fantastic manor house' Priestly is said to have visited many times.

All through his life Wade continued to add to his collection, even when he married in 1946 and went to live for the most part in the West Indies, he continually purchased items to be brought back to Snowshill. In 1951 Wade gave Snowshill and its unique collection to the National Trust. By this time he had amassed in excess of 22,000 items and a costume collection numbering some 2,000 pieces. It was his wish that everyone should share in the pleasures derived from real craftsmanship, quality and beauty.

Wade even carried his Arts and Crafts Movement philosophy into the garden, where he set out a delightful theme of individual 'rooms' each in hues of Blue and Purple. Amongst the plantation there is a rich variety of painted garden ornaments, all in a pleasing shade of Blue.

Charles Paget Wade made his final visit to Snowshill whilst on a visit to England in July 1956. He was staying in Broadway when he was taken ill and died. He is buried with other members of his family in the churchyard at Snowshill.

Even today, younger generations of Snowshill talk affectionately of Charles Wade. It seems he was held in high esteem by the local population, it is therefore not surprising to find in Snowshill Manor wafts of the impish character of this unique charismatic man.

Snowshill Manor is in the care of the National Trust and is open to public view. It can be found amid undulating Cotswold scenery in the village of Snowshill, close to the charming town of Broadway.

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Recommended towns & villages near Snowshill Manor

	Snowshill (0.5 miles, 0.7 km) For anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in which to spend a few idyllic days in glorious countryside, could do no better that visit the picturesque village of Snowshill, high on the Cotswold escarpment above Broadway and the old town of Evesham... Information | Pictures (70) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Broadway (2.2 miles, 3.6 km, direction N) The village of Broadway in the Cotswolds richly deserves the prestige of being the "show village of England".. Information | Pictures (131) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Chipping Campden (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction NE) Immediately appealing, this is certainly one of the most picturesque small towns in the northern reaches of the Cotswolds.. Information | Pictures (98) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Winchcombe (5.3 miles, 8.5 km, direction SW) To experience the quintessentially English town of Winchcome, is to part-take of a miscellany of pure delights... Information | Pictures (50) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Evesham (6.8 miles, 10.9 km, direction NW) Particularly beautiful in the early spring when it is a mass of blossom, Evesham stands proudly on the river Avon right at the heart of a famous fruit and vegetable region known..... Information | Pictures (98) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Recommended attractions near Snowshill Manor

	Broadway Tower and Animal Park (2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction NE) .. Information | Pictures (35) | Hotels
	Hailes Abbey (3.5 miles, 5.6 km, direction SW) Hailes Abbey occupies a lovely site and as you look at the remains of the dramatic cloister arches you get some idea of just how..... Information | Pictures (18) | Hotels
	Sudeley Castle (5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction SW) The pretty village of Winchcome has been blessed with the stunning buildings and gardens of Sudeley Castle since the time of the..... Information | Pictures (75) | Hotels
	Batsford Park Arboretum (5.9 miles, 9.4 km, direction E) .. Information | Pictures (9) | Hotels
	The Fleece Inn (6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction N) An unspoilt English pub which originally sheltered a farmer and his stock under the same roof... Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels

Hotels near Snowshill Manor

Hotels near Snowshill Manor  Cottages near Snowshill Manor  Bed & Breakfast near Snowshill Manor

	Buckland Manor Buckland, Gloucestershire, England (1.3 miles, 2.1 km, direction N) Dating back to the 13th century, Buckland Manor is set in immaculate gardens, featuring small waterfalls, croquet lawns and tennis courts. Sumptuous bedrooms have bathrobes, fresh fruit, flowers and ... More info and book online..  Price from £195.00
	Broadway Broadway, Worcestershire, England (2.1 miles, 3.5 km, direction N) Broadway Hotel is in the Cotswold's village of Broadway 35 minutes' drive from Cheltenham. It overlooks the village green in one of the Cotswold's most picturesque spots. The 19 bedrooms combine the ... More info and book online..  Price from £85.00
	Russell's Broadway, Worcestershire, England (2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction N) In the idyllic Cotswold village of Broadway, Russell’s offers 5-star boutique bedrooms with period features and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy fresh local produce in the award-winning restaurant.... More info and book online..  Price from £98.00
	The Lygon Arms Broadway, Worcestershire, England (2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction N) The Lygon Arms is a 16th-century building set in 3 acres of picturesque grounds. It has a luxury spa and health club, swimming pool, tennis court, and offers award-winning food. Rooms at The Lygon Ar... More info and book online..  Price from £91.00
	Forget me not Cottage Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, England (4.4 miles, 7.1 km, direction E) Forget-me-not is a Victorian period cottage set in the heart of the Cotswolds surrounded by rolling hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Ideally situated for complete relaxation, the cottag... More info and book online..  Price from £300.00