Newport, Essex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Newport |
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 Newport
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| Population | 2,352 (2011) |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Saffron Walden |
| Postcode district | CB11 |
| Dialling code | 01799 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Newport is a village in Essex, England. It's located in the Uttlesford area, close to the town of Saffron Walden. In 2011, about 2,352 people lived here.
Newport is about 41 miles (66 km) north of London. It's surrounded by farms and fields in northern Essex. Many people who work in London or Cambridge live here because of the easy train access. The Newport (Essex) railway station connects the village to London Liverpool Street and Cambridge.
The village is also home to Joyce Frankland Academy, a secondary school for both boys and girls.
Newport is a key spot on the Harcamlow Way, a long walking path. This means there are many great walks starting from the village. You can walk towards Saffron Walden, the historic Audley End House, or Prior Hall Barn in Widdington.
Contents
A Look at Newport's Past
Newport has a long and interesting history. Some people once thought a very old settlement called Wigingamere might have been here. King Edward the Elder supposedly ordered it to be made stronger around 921. However, this idea is now thought to be incorrect.
The first clear mention of Newport was in 1086 in the Domesday Book. This was a big survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror. The name "Newport" probably comes from old English words meaning "new town" or "new market." In Saxon times, "port" often meant a market, and Newport had a busy market back then.
The village grew and did well until about 1300. After that, it became less important, and its market stopped. The nearby town of Chipping Walden, now known as Saffron Walden, became more important. Newport used to have a very large royal fish pond, which is why it was sometimes called Newport Pond. But this pond dried up by the 1500s.
Until the 1900s, most people in Newport worked in farming. Other jobs included working with leather and wool, and later, making malt for drinks.
Historic Buildings in Newport
Newport has many beautiful old buildings. The village church, called St Mary the Virgin, was built in the late 1300s. Two other interesting buildings are The Crown House, which is mostly from the late 1500s, and Monks Barn. Monks Barn is a special type of house called a Wealden hall house and dates back to the 1400s.
In 1588, Dame Joyce Frankland started the Newport Free Grammar School. Today, it's known as Joyce Frankland Academy and is a comprehensive school for all students. The village also has its own primary school for younger children.
In 1660, the famous diarist Samuel Pepys stayed overnight in Newport. He was visiting Lord Braybrooke at Audley End House.
Big changes came to Newport with better transport. In 1744, a turnpike trust improved the main road. This brought new people and businesses to the village. The railway arrived in 1845, making travel even easier.
Newport has grown a lot recently. A hundred years ago, about 900 people lived in 220 homes, mostly working in farming. By 1971, the population was over 1,200. Now, all the livestock farms have closed. New houses have been built on old fields and farms in the village center. Today, over 2,200 people live in more than 900 houses.
Village Life and Activities
Newport has two traditional pubs: the Coach and Horses, a large 17th-century inn, and the White Horse, a smaller but equally old pub. There's also a social club called the Newport Club.
The village has a tennis club and groups for young people. The Village Hall is a busy place, hosting many activities. These include a farmers' market, bingo, fitness classes, and dance lessons. Local groups like the Newport Amateur Theatrical Society and the Newport Art Group also meet there.
Newport has its own village magazine, Newport News, published twice a year. Every year on November 5th, the village hosts a fun bonfire night firework display.
Local Shops and Services
Newport has several small local businesses. You can find an independent petrol station and garage, a chemist, and an Indian restaurant. There's also a convenience store with a post office, a small garden center, a beauty salon, a barbershop, and a bakery.
Well-Known People from Newport
Several notable people have connections to Newport:
- Hannah Woolley, a writer from the 1600s who wrote about cooking and managing a household, lived here around 1646.
- Famous chef Jamie Oliver went to Newport Free Grammar School.
- Professional footballer Matt Holland also attended the same school.
- Martin Caton, a Member of Parliament, and singer Adam Ant briefly studied there too.
- Tex Banwell, a British soldier known for escaping POW camps and joining the Dutch resistance, was born in Newport in 1917. He lived here as a toddler.
See also
In Spanish: Newport (Essex) para niños
