Snaith

Snaith is an ancient thriving market town. Locals call it the gateway to East Yorkshire. Dominated by its Priory Church, built on Anglo Saxon foundations it boasts five public houses, a local brewery, two cafes and the famous Snaith sausage, made from local products.

Tucked in the south west corner of East Yorkshire and close to the M62 motorway can be found the ancient market town of Snaith & Cowick. Snaith was granted a royal charter to hold markets and fairs in 1223AD and continues to thrive. The centre still boasts five public houses where a warm welcome invites visitors to eat, drink and to spend a night or two.

Snaith has its own brewery in the town centre, sighted on an old clog mill and brewery trips are a popular pastime with locals and visitors. The two cafes, one of which is also a deli with local produce, are both very different and are comforting places to relax in. The local butchers are famous for its Snaith sausage for which visitors come from all over the country to purchase. All its products are locally sourced.

In 1086AD the Domesday book indicated that Cowick village was a royal possession, with a hunting lodge on the edge of Hatfield Chase and was not taxable. Between 1200AD and 1300AD Cowick was used for hunting by the Kings of England and in 1323AD Edward 11 held parliament in Cowick.

The town is dominated by the Snaith Priory for which building commenced in 1100AD on Anglo Saxon foundations. Next to the Priory is the Penny Lock Up. In the old days to get released would cost one old penny.

Between 1660 and 1690AD Viscount Downe leased Cowick from the crown and built Cowick Hall which is now the main headquarters for Croda International.

Snaith Airfield, at nearby Pollington was used by Bomber Command extensively during WWII, the home of 51 squadron. The squadron is now based at RAF Waddington, still part of Bomber Command and was recently granted the Freedom of Snaith, an ancient tradition which allows them to march through the town displaying banners and flags.

The trans pennine cycle route and the coast to coast cycle route run through Snaith giving tired legs the chance to stop and rest. There are 15 heritage walks of different lengths around the town area which are fully signed with information boards about the area. The new picnic site by the nearby river Aire allows walkers to eat, drink and rest.

In the month of September the town holds a heritage day with a different theme each year which allow both young and old to show off their talents. Different displays and things to do are a delight for all. Other nearby attractions include riding schools, a sailing club and shooting school.

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