PURTON
T he small hamlet of Purton was a noted port that exported
Dean timber for the Royal Navy. It was also the location
of one of the Forest's earliest ferries, which was in
existence by 1282 when it was operated by 'Hamelin the
Ferryman'. By the 18th century, this was known as the
Purton Passage Ferry and it remained in operation until
the late 19th century and a stone quay and a large stone
slip-way which the ferry used is still in existence
on the waterfront. Like Gatcombe, Purton's existence
as a port came to an end in 1851 with the construction
of the South Wales mainline railway (built by Bunel)
but unlike Gatcombe , Purton over-looks the railway
and so magnificent views can be had across the estuary.
The oldest building in the hamlet is Purton Manor, a
16th century stone house that still retains much of
its original features and which stands at the South
end of the Port on high ground. Also visible at Purton
are the remains of the Severn Railway Bridge, which
was built to link Lydney with the Gloucester & Berkley
Canal and Sharpness docks.
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