Historic Buildings & Monuments

Tucked away in a tiny hamlet adjoining the National Nature Reserve, the 17th-century Old Town Hall is the only remaining evidence of Newtown's former importance.

It's hard to believe that this tranquil corner of the island once held often turbulent elections before sending two Members to Parliament.

Step inside this simply furnished, timber-framed cottage and travel back in time. Lived in continually right up until the mid-1980s, today this 16th-century labourer's dwelling has been restored to bring four hundred years of uninterrupted occupation to life. See first-hand the radical changes home life has undergone over the past few centuries, then explore the delightful cottage garden outside.

Among England's finest country houses, big and stately Apethorpe Palace was begun in the late 15th century. It contains one of the country's most complete Jacobean interiors.

Apethorpe Palace is truly one of England's great country houses. It was begun in the late 15th century and once played host to Queen Elizabeth I, King James I and King Charles I.  In total 13 royal visits were recorded between 1565 and 1636. After years of neglect and decay, the Jacobean mansion fell into total disrepair until 2004 when English Heritage stepped in and saved it.

A three-mile section of the great earthwork boundary dyke built along the Anglo-Welsh border by Offa, King of Mercia, probably during the 780s. This especially impressive wooded stretch includes the Devil's Pulpit, with fine views of Tintern Abbey.

Offa was the King of the Mercians, a warrior tribe from central England, from 747 to 796 AD. He had seized power during a time of great unrest caused by friction between Wales and England in the border region.