Newton Court

History

Early land use

The first major activity on the land, other than evidence of a few prehistoric flints, was in the medieval period, with pottery finds and indications of iron smelting. Domesday Book mentions that a mill might have been present in the area. Industry continued through to the post-medieval period, with kiln waste being found.

A 14th-century manor house was present in the area, possibly on the site of the present-day Newton Court.

Construction

The land for Newton Court, on a south-east facing hillside, was purchased by Admiral Thomas Griffin in the 18th century at the same time as the land at Hadnock and was left to his third son, George Griffin, after his death.

The three-storey house was built in the neoclassical style, using coursed red sandstone with Forest of Dean stone dressings and a slate roof.

Usage to present day

The house remained in the Griffin family at least until 1901, when according to Kelly's Directory of Monmouthshire it was "the seat of George Griffin Griffin esq., M.A., D.L., J.P."

The house, stables, and screen wall were listed as Grade II* listed buildings in 2005,

Newton Court Farm is situated at the end of Newton Court Lane and in between this and the house is the older 17th-century Newton Hall, which is a Grade II listed building.

Stable Block

Newton Court Stable Block is noted as a small SSSI, totalling 2.3 ha in area; it comprises the stable block, which is also a Grade II* listed building, It is of importance because it is the only breeding colony in Monmouthshire for the nationally rare and endangered greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and one of only three known sites in Wales. Between 50 and 100 adult and flying young have been recorded on the site, using the stable roof space for nesting. The stable block is also used by a few lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros). The SSSI forms part of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites Special Area of Conservation.

The stable block building has previously undergone a number of temporary maintenance improvements, but is in a state of disrepair.

References

References

1. {{NHAW
2. "Lower Wye Valley: Newton". [[Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust]].
3. Newman, John. (2000). "The Buildings of Wales: Gwent/Monmouthshire". [[Penguin Books]].
4. "Kelly's Directory of Monmouthshire 1901". Kelly's Directories Ltd.
5. whilst the gate piers, gates, and [[wing wall]]s were Grade II listed in the same year.{{NHAW
6. Ordnance Survey: Explorer map sheet OL14 ''Wye Valley & Forest of Dean'' {{ISBN. 9780319240953
7. {{NHAW
8. (February 2018). "Newton Court Stable Block". [[Countryside Council for Wales]].
9. "Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Bat Sites". [[Countryside Council for Wales]].
10. (February 2018). "Newton Court Stable Block Site Management Statement". [[Countryside Council for Wales]].