Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail

Discover History Hidden in the Heart of Newent

Step back in time with the Newent Medieval Buildings Walk - a fascinating self-guided trail exploring the historic timber-framed buildings, ancient streets, and hidden stories of this charming Gloucestershire town.

Newent boasts one of the finest collections of medieval and post-medieval buildings in the region. Thanks to recent tree-ring dating projects, many of the buildings along this walk have been dated precisely, offering a rare glimpse into the town’s development from the 13th century onwards.

This easy, accessible walk takes you around Newent’s Market Square and surrounding streets, highlighting key buildings and telling the stories behind their construction, hidden histories, and architectural quirks.

Highlights of the Newent Medieval Buildings Walk

Black Dog Pub (1630) – a fine example of post-medieval timber framing with straight wall braces.

30 & 32 Church Street (1420 & 1417) – early buildings with curved wall braces, typical of the medieval period.

Market House (1668) – an iconic timber-framed building at the centre of Newent’s historic market.

Hidden Gems:

Booth Hall — a stunning, concealed timber-framed building, likely dating from the 1450s.

The Red Lion Pub — originally a jettied timber-framed building with 15th-century features.

The Lost Priory and Newent Lake — traces of the town’s early religious heritage.

Along the way, you’ll also spot medieval fan-truss roofs, original wall bracing, and examples of later Elizabethan architecture that tell the story of how Newent evolved from a monastic settlement into a thriving market town.

A Town Rich in History

Following the Norman conquest, Newent was granted to the Abbey of Cormeilles, and by the 13th century, it was developing into a bustling market town. Industries like glassmaking, ironworking and tanning flourished in later centuries - but it’s the town’s medieval heart that remains most visible today.

This trail brings to life the craftspeople, builders, and merchants who shaped Newent over the centuries, all set against the picturesque backdrop of winding streets, cosy cafés, and local shops.

Download the full Newent Medieval Buildings Walk map here.

Start your journey from Newent’s Market Square.

Allow 1–2 hours to explore fully at a relaxed pace.

Discover the hidden history of Newent - one timber-framed building at a time!