I loved the chance to explore this Shropshire market town's hidden history
Historic Newport sites welcomes visitors for Heritage Open Day
Historic locations across Newport opened their doors to the public as part of England’s largest festival of heritage and culture.
The Guildhall, St Nicholas Church, Newport Chapel, The Black Shed and Newport Indoor Market offered free entry to celebrate the town’s history, heritage and community on Saturday (September 12).
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The six-hour event came as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days festival, the largest of its kind in England. The national festival is organised by the National Trust and supported by players of the Postcode Lottery.
The aim of the event, running between September 11 and 20, is to allow the public access to historical sites to bring history to life.
Newport’s Guildhall is a Grade II-listed building with black and white timber dating from the 1400s, one of the earliest guildhalls established in England. It was extended to the north in the late 16th century and was unified as a single building during the 19th century, re-opening to the public in 1995. Visitors explored the first-floor council chamber now used for civic ceremonies and weddings.
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Cathryn Ross Talbot, chair of Newport History Society, said: “The Guildhall and all of the historic buildings found in Newport ultimately sell themselves. It is positive to see that people are visiting the town and it is beginning to have a cosy, heritage feel to the area.”
Anne Evans and Ann Benbaw were fascinated to learn more about its history. Anne said: “I have lived in Newport for 42 years and I have never been in the back or upstairs of the Guildhall so it was really lovely to have the opportunity to explore as I have walked past it so many times and never had the chance to visit.”
Newport History Society offered guided walks at 11am and 1.30pm and St Nicholas Church hosted tower tours to show off the church’s bells.
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Visitors tried their hand at bell ringing on the mobile belfry located besides St Nicholas Church and younger history seekers took part in weaving and colouring competitions.
Lucy Bogaczyk, owner of Wool Wellness UK, provided loom demonstrations inside Newport Indoor Market. She said: “Today, we were able to demonstrate our historic practices to children and also support sustainability and craft.”
Heritage Open Days is running across Shropshire between September 11 and 20. To find out more, click here.
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