Newnham, sometimes called Newnham-on-Severn is a delightful village about 10 miles south of Gloucester on the banks of the River Severn. The main street of Newnham has a large number of fine buildings, mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries, and in the past, it was obviously an important and wealthy town. This wealth was derived from the river.
At Newnham, and the village of Arlingham on the east side of the river, the Severn completes a large horseshoe bend that makes a stunning view. To fully appreciate the river’s course, visit St Peter’s churchyard that stands above the riverbank. For an even greater impact, visit Blaize Bailey or drive up the road from Newnham to Littledean. Broadoak, ½ mile north of Newnham is on the riverbank and feels like the seaside, particularly when the tide is out exposing wide sand banks.
The Romans established a settlement at Newnham where the river could be forded and a ferry crossed to Arlingham until the 1940s. As an indication of Newnham’s former importance, Henry II sailed from the town in 1171 with an army to invade Ireland possibly with 400 ships and 5,000 men.
The main street is tree lined with a number of shops, a gallery and café and a pub and a fine clock tower. In the spring the wide verges are covered in daffodils. However, don’t confine yourself to the main street, but explore some of the quaint roads down towards the river.
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