| Dating from
the 12th century, Newton possessed the only
harbour on the coast between Aberthaw and
Briton Ferry and became a busy port until a
rival harbour was created at nearby Porthcawl
in the 19th century. The Jolly Sailor’ Inn is
reputed to have been associated with
smugglers. Newton’s limestone church
was built as a fortress and was probably
founded by the Order of St John of Jerusalem
around the 12th century. In the graveyard a
headstone marks the resting place of the Rev.
John Blackmore, father of Richard Blackmore,
author of classic story ‘Lorna Doone’ and ‘The
Maid of Sker’. |
