Water Newton offers a range of points of interest: Roman archaeology, church and mill history, and a circular walk with views of St Remigius Church. Each has its own distinct features—from the size of a Roman town to medieval building elements and the technology of a mill.
St Remigius on the River Nene
St Remigius Church lies idyllically among trees on the banks of the River Nene. It is mentioned as early as the Domesday survey of 1086. Its building history spans several centuries: the chancel and nave were rebuilt in the 13th century, and the aisles were added in the 14th century. This makes it possible to distinguish between two medieval building phases. The interior also contains a Roman coffin—another historic detail alongside the church’s history.
Durobrivae and the Roman Fort
The walled area of the Roman town of Durobrivae covers approximately 23 hectares. Its extensive industrial suburbs and cemeteries extend across a further 100 hectares. These figures clearly distinguish the walled town centre from its more expansive surroundings. Cropmarks reveal the street pattern and stone buildings; the town wall survives as a low earthwork and forms an irregular polygon in plan.
By comparison, Water Newton Roman Fort covers an area of 2 hectares. It stands on slightly elevated ground between Durobrivae to the southeast and the crossing of the Ermine Street over the River Nene to the north. The fort is characterised by its playing-card-shaped layout. Three defensive ditches lie on its eastern, southern and western sides. The quantity of finds suggests that the fort was occupied at some point between AD 60 and 65. The extent of the walled town and the smaller fort area therefore represent different scales of Roman settlement.
Water Newton Treasure and mill technology
The Water Newton Treasure was discovered in 1975 on the site of the walled Roman town of Durobrivae near Water Newton. The hoard consists of 9 silver vessels and 19 plaques and is widely regarded as the earliest known group of Christian silver objects. The British Museum acquired the treasure. Its composition and discovery history add to our understanding of the area’s Roman past.
Water Newton Mill also offers specific historical details. A dated plaque bears the inscription “1791 J Compton”. Much of the mill’s internal machinery survives largely intact: two waterwheels, one of which is 14 feet in diameter, two pairs of millstones, sack hoists and grain bins. The inscription and surviving machinery offer different perspectives on the mill’s history.
Circular walk and riverside orientation
A route description from September 2021 follows a circular walk past Water Newton Lock and the Nene Valley Railway. Parts of the route are on the Hereward Way. The description notes good views across the water to St Remigius; a short walk along the same path leads to the front of the converted mill, with its attractive façades. On the River Nene, Water Newton Lock is number 35. Check the route before setting out, as conditions can change.
When choosing a stay, you can prioritise different themes according to your interests: Durobrivae and the fort differ in size and shape, while the church and mill bring building history and technology to the fore. In its description, the circular walk links the lock and the railway with views of the church and a short walk to the mill façade. Archaeological questions and a specific circular route are thus available as distinct areas of focus, without implying a set order.
Discover more destinations: Stretham, Arrington, Horseheath, Huntingdon, Kimbolton, Old Hurst, Hardwick, Hinxton.
For the regional travel overview: Cambridgeshire.
