Newland

Newland is a beautiful village in the western side of the Forest of Dean, and its origins can be traced back to the time of Edward I. Beside the village is a hill which was strongly fortified by the ancient Britons. The church, known as "The Cathedral of the Forest" dates back to the 13th century. Nearby stands a huge ancient oak tree with its trunk measuring 46ft in girth, and which may be the biggest in England. Close to the church are the old almshouses, founded by a London haberdasher in the 1500's. Within the church is an old brass engraving known as "the Miners Brass", showing a Forest miner with a candle in his mouth, a pick axe in his hand, and a hod. This has become one of the "symbols" of the Forest of Dean.

Tourist Information

The ancient church of All Saints, with the Forest Miner Brass. The Wye Valley.

Accommodation

Birchamp House (Self Catering)
Scatterford Farm
Tan House Farm
Millend House (B&B)
Rookery Farmhouse (B&B and self catering)

Nearest Bank

The nearest banks are in Coleford

Shops

The nearest main shopping centre is in Coleford

Local Schools

The nearest primary schools are at Clearwell and Coleford.

Churches

All Saints - Newland This church is known locally as the Cathedral of the Forest because of it's proportions, history and setting, and it is well worth a detour for visitors to the Forest of Dean. The church was first established by Robert de Wakering (1215-1237). All the early builders of the church were important men in the affairs of the State, and this may help to explain the unusual size of the church. Indeed in 1305 Edward I added a small chapel (adjoining the south porch) and founded the chantry of King Edwards Service. The church comprises a west tower, nave with five arches, adjoining very large north and south aisles, south porch and chapels. There are many interesting monuments within the church including an effigy of Jenkin Wyrall, Forester of Fee (d. 1457), which shows interesting details of hunting costumes of that period. Even more evocative is the Miners Brass' just one foot high, which depicts a helmet, crest and figure of a mediaeval miner of the Forest of Dean with a hod and pick in his hand and candlestick in his mouth. Photograph by courtesy of Karen Davies of Birchamp House (bed & breakfast) which is close to the church.Old Church Records for family historians