Discover Newton-on-the-Moor

Architectural history and memorial sites

Newton-on-the-Moor offers travelers several different points of connection with its architectural and local history. At its center is Jubilee Hall, a Grade II listed building. The Widdrington family had it built to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne. Jubilee Hall can be rented by the hour. Its history thus combines a commemorative function with a practical use.

Newton Hall: alterations and murals

Newton Hall adds a longer architectural history to this picture. The house was built in 1772 for Samuel Cook; an earlier farmhouse may have been incorporated into the north wing. In 1864, S. F. Widdrington had Newton Hall extended and remodeled to his own designs. The two dates represent different building phases: its construction in the 18th century and later work in the 19th century, while the possibility that the earlier farmhouse was incorporated remains unconfirmed. The entrance hall contains life-size murals of London Bridge and Venice, created by S. F. Widdrington. Thus, architectural changes and pictorial design come together in the same house. Along with Jubilee Hall, Newton Hall reflects two connections to the Widdrington family: the family had Jubilee Hall built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s jubilee; S. F. Widdrington remodeled Newton Hall and created its murals.

Monument and settlement history

Another memorial site is the Pant on the east side of the road junction. Erected in 1914, the monument commemorates the golden wedding anniversary of S. Fitzherbert and Cecilia Widdrington; its dates are 20 April 1864–1914. The Square, houses numbered 5 and 7, and the Village Shop are also part of the area’s history. M. P. Reavell built them in 1936 for the Fountains Abbey Settlers Society. Of historical interest, these buildings formed part of the society’s original settlement. Here, two different forms of commemoration can be compared: the personal occasion remembered by the Pant, and the settlement history associated with The Square, the houses, and the shop.

Garden, tower ruin, and getting your bearings

The walled garden lies 450 metres southeast of the Hall. It dates from the late 18th century and was altered in the late 19th century. Here, too, an earlier layout and later changes are both part of the history. Overgrass Tower represents a much earlier period: it contains the ruins of a tower house dating from the late 14th or 15th century. The building beside it probably dates from the 18th century. These different dates help distinguish the medieval tower-house ruin from the newer neighboring building. Those interested in historic buildings will find a range of subjects, from a medieval ruin to buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

For getting around the wider area, the parish of Newton-on-the-Moor and Swarland is well connected to its surroundings via the A1 and Alnmouth railway station. Newton-on-the-Moor is also home to the Cook and Barker pub.

Discover more destinations: Wark, Chillingham, Allendale Town, Hexham, Guyzance, Newham, Hepple, Amble

For the wider travel overview: Northumberland.