William Newton (architect, 1730–1798)

William Newton (1730–1798) was an English architect who worked mainly in Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumberland. His work shows a conventional but elegant classical style, influenced by Adam and Paine, and with a strong Palladian feel typical of late 18th century architecture. Most of his buildings are stately homes in rural Northumberland, but he also created some interesting public works in Newcastle: The Assembly Rooms, St Anne's Church, the refaced Guildhall, and elegant private housing in Charlotte Square.

Howick Hall, Northumberland, by William Newton
St Bartholomew's Church, Longbenton, William Newton's only church
The Castle, Castle Eden, by William Newton. Photo by Les Hull

He was the son of Robert Newton, a builder. He married Dorothy Bell and lived for 28 years at 1, Charlotte Square, Newcastle.[1] His big break came when he was appointed architect for The Assembly Rooms in Newcastle in 1774; as a result he became favoured by the Northumbrian elite.[2] He has been described as 'the first truly Nothumbrian architect'.[3]

His work includes:-

McCombie and Grundy[6] have used stylistic evidence to suggest some additional attributions:

Faulkner and Lowery[7] make one additional suggestion:

  • Broome Park, Edlingham (demolished 1953)

References
William Newton Plaque at No 1 Charlotte Square
  1. "William Newton black plaque".
  2. Lost Houses of Newcastle and Northumberland (1996) Faulkner, F & Lowery, P.
  3. Lost Houses of Newcastle and Northumberland (1996) Faulkner, F & Lowery, P.
  4. https://www.assemblyrooms.co.uk/room-hire-newcastle/our-history/
  5. "History of Howick Hall and Gardens".
  6. The Buildings of England: Northumberland. (1992) Grundy, J., McCombie, G., Ryder, P., Welfare, H. & Pevsner, N.
  7. Lost Houses of Newcastle and Northumberland (1996) Faulkner, F & Lowery, P.
  • Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Article by Margaret Willis 2004
  • The Buildings of England: Northumberland. (1992) Grundy, J., McCombie, G., Ryder, P., Welfare, H. & Pevsner, N.
  • Patronage and Palladianism: the career of William Newton (1730-98), architect. Thesis by Richard Pears, Newcastle University
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