NEWENT FACTS & FIGURES

'Noent' was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book, but indications suggest there was a settlement here even in Roman times.

A monastic priory was established here by Roger Earl of Hereford. The monastery’s fish ponds eventually became Newent Lake and later, Newent Court occupied the site.

The Market House (1668) was one of many grand buildings that were built in a similar style. Several were later clad in brick-work to make them appear much more ‘fashionable’.

Famous residents of Newent include Dick Whittington who lived at nearby Paultney, and Joe Meek, pioneer of electronic music and producer of the revolutionary hit ‘Telstar’.

Nicholson House on Court Lane has been a court, a police station and a crime museum.

St Mary’s Church was rebuilt in stone quarried from Culver Street after part of the nave collapsed in the 17th century. It now features the largest unsupported wooden roof in the country.

Nearby May Hill is the highest point in Gloucestershire with stunning views of over seven counties.

Holts, a large townhouse, used to occupy the site now taken by the police station. It was once the centre of a murder investigation which attracted national news coverage.

Spider Cottage on Church Street holds the world record for the largest spider web ever found during it’s renovation.

The Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal is currently being restored near to the town. It will feature a working lock and a aqueduct across the Ledbury road.

In 1885 the Railway was built over the canal. It became known as the daffodil line, as acres of wild daffodils could be seen on the route through Newent. Local people picked the flowers and sent them to hospitals in London.

Fourteen acres of land have been planted with 4000 trees to create the Broadford's Arboretum across from Newent Community School.