CELEBRITY historian David Starkey visited Snape Local History Group to talk about a notable historic figure from the area.

Dr Starkey visited the group on March 11 to speak about Catherine Parr, who was Lady Latimer of Snape Castle before she became the sixth and last wife of Henry VIII in 1543.

Dr Starkey, who has written internationally-acclaimed works and presented historical television programmes, made humorous comparisons between the Tudor and modern British Governments, and between Henry VIII and Tony Blair.

He told group members how Catherine Parr had lived in Snape for ten formative years, and rose to act as Regent for Henry VIII while he was on campaign in France. Members heard that Catherine's powerful religious influence on the King nearly saw her imprisoned in the Tower, but she survived her husband to marry again.

Dr Starkey signed copies of his book and was photographed with history group members.

Vice-chairman Peter Smith presented Dr Starkey with an album of photographs of Snape Castle and chapel, taken by himself and others, as a token of appreciation.

Chairman David Kirby said: "Dr Starkey quite captivated his audience with his charm and erudition. It was an extremely well-attended lecture, with some audience members coming considerable distances."