NEWTON CHURCH

Introduction

For many years, the little church of St. John Baptist, situate in the romantic village of Newton, Porthcawl, has attracted pilgrims, from all parts of the British Isles, who have come to admire and reverence an ancient example of church architecture which dates from the early ages of the christian faith. The sacred structure is, indeedm a mirror of past ages.

The neighbourhood itself teems with historical romance. From 3000 - 2000 B.C., the open burrows to the east provided habitation for primitive tribes; the golden sand-dunes, hard-by, commemorate devastating storms of the 16th century; while, in later days, mariners from Somerset found anchorage within Newton harbour, and even pirates and smugglers haunted its shores. Famous Personages, too, have lingered here; at the old Red House, long since demolished by the sea, our beloved Queen Mary, as the fair and beautiful Princess May, in 1887m tarried, accompanied by her hostesses, the ladies of Dunraven Castle, while the Jolly Sailor Inn provided stabling for their horses. That Newton was a sea-side resort favoured by notabilities is borne out by the following advertisement which appeared in a newspaper published in July 1793 :

"Sea Bathing - Glamorganshire."

James Marment begs leave to return his most grateful acknowledgement for the encouragement given to his house at Newton, and respectfully informs the Nobility and Gentry that he has now opened it for the reception of company. Bathing Machines, Goat Milk, Whey etc. . . . . and even in those remote times, the curative properties of its well made Newton a noted spa.
Bordering the church, and enhancing its beauty, is the Village Green, reminiscent of a Cathedral Close. Prior to the Enclosure Award of 1864, this extended westwards to the coastal edge beyond Porthcawl. The mild climate ministered to the tranquillity of the spot ; and imagination easily conjures up the period of Crusader Knights, who would make pilgrimages to its Holy Well at a time when the little shrine itself was being founded.

[Last Updated : 11 Nov 2002 by Gareth Hicks]