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LIVING IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE... History
The area around Newent has long been known for its wild daffoldils which grow naturally in the woods and meadows around the town. Within living memory, they grew in such profusion that school children picked flowers to be sent to hospitals as far away as London. Nowadays, picking of the flowers is not encouraged.
Surrounding Area  Gloucester
Cradled by the picturesque Cotswold Hills and ideally located in the heart of the country, the city of Gloucester has a vibrant, lively atmosphere that combines a rich historic past with all the excitement of a modern city. It is just 12 miles from Newent with regular buses
Cheltenham is the most complete Regency town in England and one of the few English towns in which traditional and contemporary architecture complement each other. Cheltenham began as an Anglo-Saxon village over 1200 years ago. In 1226 it became a market town, which was the basis of its economy until the 18 century, when its medicinal waters were discovered in a field to the south of the town, where Cheltenham Ladies’ College now stands. These were regarded as beneficial for a whole range of illnesses and by the late 18 century the town was one of England’s leading spas. Newent is 20 miles from Cheltenham. Transport Links
Directions to the Forest of Dean are prominently signposted on the M5 ( Gloucester exit), and the M4/M48 (Chepstow exit). There are regular train services to Gloucester from all parts of the country. A local train service runs from Gloucester to Lydney and Chepstow, and from Newport and Cardiff to Lydney.
Newent is close to the M50 and is easily accessible from the M5 too. By rail There is no train station in Newent; the nearest is Gloucester By bus For the timetable, click here Useful Information  Estate Agents
Steve Gooch, 4 High Street , Newent, Gloucestershire , GL18 1AN , T:01531 820844 Smiths, 16 Broad Street , Newent, Gloucestershire, T:01531 820767 Naylor Powell, 35 Broad Street , Newent, Gloucestershire, T:01531 828970 Childcare Happy Days Nursery, Glebe Road , Newent, Gloucestershire, T:01531 822242 Local Information www.fweb.org.uk/dean/towns/newent.htm www.limeysearch.co.uk/england/gloucestershire/newent Leisure And if you're staying…..and wondering what to do………..how about: archery, falconry, abseiling, cycling, caving, deer watching, golfing, off road driving, quad biking,riding, rock climbing, or kayaking? Alternatively you can visit the numerous attractions and museums the area has to offer, working collieries, steam railways, craft shops, iron age caves, formal gardens, a staggeringly diverse collection - all within 30 minutes drive of the heart of the Forest. |
Newent is one of the most attractive towns in the Forest of Dean area. It is a thriving, unspoilt market town with a wide range of attractions for the shopper and visitor. Many of the buildings date from the 13th century, and centrepiece of the town is the Old Market Hall, which was built in 1668. 
The town has a long history, for finds of Mesolithic and Neolithic flint 8,000 years and by the Bronze age, metal working was taking place in the area. It was during the Roman period however that Newent began to grow in importance and by the 2nd century AD it was a key settlement with roads linking it to Ariconium, Gloucester and the iron ore outcrops at Wigpool near Mitcheldean. By late Saxon times, Newent was a manor which was held by the king and soon after the Norman Conquest, a motte & bailey castle had been built at Castletump to the north of the village.
Iron working still continued in the area and this helped establish the village, which by the 14th century had grown in to a small town. A market was established quite early and the centrally sited Market House still exists, although the present structure is late 16th/early 17th century. The church of St. Mary 's was a place of worship in Anglo-Saxon times. For over 700 years, the building has been added to, rebuilt and restored and now attracts tourists and historians alike with its varied and unusual architecture and history. The church was built in the 13th century, partially rebuilt after the nave collapsed in the 17th century and in 1968 its octagonal spire was partially taken down after it too was found to be dangerous. The churchyard also attracts historians for its interesting tombs dating from the 17th century. The 150 foot high spire on its 14th century tower is a landmark for miles around marking one of the major historic buildings in the district. Old Church Records for family historians 
Cheltenham 
The Royal Forest of Dean is approximately 120 miles west of London (via the M4), 65 miles from Birmingham (via the M5), and approximately 35 miles from Bristol to the centre of the forest. Birmingham International Airport , a gateway to Europe and the USA is within 90 minutes driving distance. 
By road 
Newent is in the Royal Forest of Dean, just 12 miles from Gloucester and 20 miles from Cheltenham. It is close to The Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons in Wales. The Royal Forest of Dean, Vale of Leadon and Wye Valley offer you the opportunity to see typical English Countryside at it's best! The Royal Forest of Dean was designated as a National Forest Park in 1938, the first in England, and offers you its natural beauty and outdoor leisure.
You can move through the Forest on foot, taking in wildlife, artworks, ancient woods and stunning flora as you go; on horse or bike through waymarked paths, immune from cars, encountering the overgrown remnants of a faded industrial age; by boat down its twin boundaries the Severn and Wye, or by coach on still-quiet roads, your journey enhanced by the erudition of our local Guides.