Newton Stewart
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The handsome Cree bridge spanning the River Cree in Newton Stewart is sited at a location steeped in history. As early as 1329, King Robert the Bruce journeyed along the Old Royal Road bound for St. Ninian’s Shrine at Whithorn. At that time the only means of crossing Cree was by Ford Close to the current bridge. The Ford linked the market town of Minnigaff with the farming settlements to the west. Other notable royals to make pilgrimage to Whithorn were King James III, his wife Margaret of Denmark and later James IV, who made several trips before his death on Flodden Field. Another distinguished traveller was Mary Queen of Scots in 1563.
In the mid 17th century William Stewart, youngest son of the second Earl of Galloway, founded his “New Town of Stewart” which was then just a few cottages on the west bank of the Cree. Newton Stewart became a burgh in 1677 obtaining a charter from Charles II and was granted the right to hold a weekly market and 2 annual fairs. In 1745 the first bridge over the River Cree from Minnigaff to Newton Stewart was erected on the site of the old ford.
For a brief period around the end of the 18th century, the town was renamed Newton Douglas after William Douglas, a prominent businessman and landowner. He built the original Cotton Mill by the river but his business failed and by his death in 1809 the name had reverted to Newton Street. In 1806 the bridge was washed away by exceptional floods, John Rennie’s new bridge was built in 1813 as a Toll Bridge and the old Toll House still remains as a little corner shop on the east bank.
There is more information on the History of Newton Stewart at the towns Museum. Privately run by a body of trustees the museum is a registered charity. Started in 1978 and housed in the former St. John’s Church the Museum contains a wealth of historical treasures, giving the visitor a fascinating glimpse into Galloway life in bygone days.
Nestling in the heart of the Galloway Hills, Newton Stewart is a charming market town with a friendly welcome for all. In addition to the Museum you can also see a working Woollen Mill as the Creebridge and the twice-weekly Cattle Market is well worth a visit. On a summers day you can relax in one of the town’s pretty little public gardens.
For the sports enthusiast there are three tennis courts for hire, both indoor and outdoor bowls, snooker and swimming along with other indoor sporting activities available. Newton Stewart boasts its own 18 hole golf course just on the edge of town, and there are other courses, all within driving distance, from cliff top links to lush inland courses set amongst beautiful scenery.
The River Cree, which runs through the town and down into Wigtown Bay, is noted for its excellent and reasonably priced salmon fishing. Trout and coarse fishing can be enjoyed at many nearby lochs and burns, and there are outstanding opportunities for sea-angling. In season, game and rough shooting as well as wildfowling are available, also clay pigeon shooting, making Newton Stewart an ideal place to stay at any time of the year.
Newton Stewart is also the perfect centre to base a touring holiday in Galloway. The quiet countryside has much to offer. The Galloway Forest Park with its spectacular mountains, rivers and waterfalls; gentle forest trails around heather clad slopes, and nature trails with an abundance of wildlife Bicycles can be hired to travel the tranquil country lanes and the specially created bike trails.
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