The old market town of Newnham sits on the west bank of the Severn at the crown of the large, sweeping, loop in the river; from the river`s bank the land rises steeply to 200ft then much more sharply to 600ft. The High Street with it`s Georgian houses and tree lined centre rises 75 ft along its 550 yard length to the re-built church at the southern end. The Church of St Peter originally stood on a promontory called the Nab by the rivers edge, it was replaced in the 14th century, to its present position, but was largely re-built in 1875 and again in 1881 following a large fire. Opposite the church are the remains of a castle probably a Norman Motte & Bailey type - the bank and ditch are Civil War additions. The harbour developed along the Pills (creeks) trading timber, oak bark - for tanning and coal; ship building was also carried out with, in the 15th century, vessels of 500 tones being built. It was from Newnham in 1171 that King Henry II sailed from on his expedition to Ireland. A ferry, first recorded in 1258, crossed to the Arlingham side it continued to run, although somewhat spasmodically, until just after the Second World War. In the 19th century several schemes for bridges or tunnels were put forward but all came to naught. Difficulties in navigating the Severn at Newnham saw a loss of some traffic to Gatcombe, a new quay built in 1755 by local merchant Robert Pyrke saw a revival with goods from as far as Birmingham being exported, but the opening of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal saw the loss of more trade. The quay continued in use until the early 20th century. Steeped in history, with some fine buildings, flanked by the Severn on one side and the Forest of Dean on the other makes Newnham a desirable place to visit,
Doctor
Inn
Pub and Bar
Greyhound Inn
Railway Inn
Red Hart Inn
Ship Inn
White Hart Inn
Shops
Camphill Village Trust
Severn Bank Organics
Silver Fox Cafe
The George Cafe
Newnham Pharmacy
Hunter & Todd Delicatessen
Forest Guild Shop
Places to Stay near Newnham On Severn
Old Passage Inn (1.09 miles)
The Old Passage, for centuries the site of the ford across the River Severn, is now a seafood restaurant with hotel accommodation. Set at the end of a peninsula on a great ox bow bend, ... More | visit websiteThe Belfry Hotel (1.80 miles)
Littledean House Hotel (1.87 miles)
Littledean House Hotel is a family run guest house, situated in the heart of the un-spoilt countryside of the forest of dean. Our hotel is an ideal base for exploring ... More
The Ship Inn (3.79 miles)
Set next to the Stroudwater Canal, the Ship Inn reflects the old charm of a traditional country pub. A favourite with CAMRA members and a fully fledged member of the ... More
Conqueror Cottage at Stud Farm (3.82 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Set down a tree lined drive (pictured), these three newly converted, spacious and immaculately presented cottages are delightfully located on the fringes of the village of Blaisdon. ... More
Bell Inn (4.22 miles)
Yew Tree Inn Motel (4.30 miles)
The Yew Tree dates back to 1609 and was recently purchased ... More | visit website
Speech House (4.44 miles)
This 17th century former hunting lodge rests in the heart of the Royal Forest of Dean. Comfortably appointed bedrooms, several with four-poster beds have been tastefully refurbished and offer modern facilities ... More
Whitminster House Cottages (4.61 miles)
Self-Catering Holiday Cottages ideally situated by the Cotswolds Edge on a picturesque small English country estate within easy reach of many interests & activities. Each cottage has individual character and is comfortably-equipped.
The properties individually sleep ... More | visit website
Edale House (5.41 miles)
Built in 1850, this elegant Georgian house, overlooking the cricket green in the charming village of Parkend, invites you to relax and unwind at the heart of the Royal Forest of ... More
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |