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.

He was the son of Robert Newton, a builder. He married Dorothy Bell and lived for 28 years at 1, Charlotte Square, Newcastle. 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. He has been described as 'the first truly Nothumbrian architect'.

His work includes:-


 * The Infirmary, Newcastle 1751-2 (demolished 1954)
 * Capheaton Hall (North front) 1758
 * St Mungo, Simonburn (rebuilding of aisles) 1763
 * St Ann's Church, Newcastle 1764
 * Charlotte Square, Newcastle 1770
 * Kielder Castle 1772
 * Assembly Rooms, Newcastle 1774-6
 * Killingworth House (probably added wings) 1770s (demolished 1954)
 * The Castle, Castle Eden c1775
 * Shawdon Hall 1779 (probable attribution)
 * Backworth Hall 1780
 * Acton House 1781
 * Charlton Hall 1782
 * Howick Hall 1782
 * Heaton Hall (refronting) 1783 (demolished 1933)
 * The Temple, Heaton Hall (now at Blagdon Hall) 1783
 * St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle 1783-7, (internal restoration), with David Stephenson
 * Whitfield Hall 1785
 * Hebburn Hall 1790
 * St Bartholomew's Church, Longbenton 1790
 * Dissington Hall 1794
 * Guildhall, Newcastle upon Tyne 1794, (refronting), with David Stephenson
 * Hesleyside Hall (East front) 1796
 * Lemmington Hall (alterations)
 * Fenham Hall (attribution and date uncertain)

McCombie and Grundy have used stylistic evidence to suggest some additional attributions:
 * The Lodge, Capheaton village
 * Craster Tower (South wing) 1769
 * Close House 1779
 * Newton Hall
 * Togston Hall

Faulkner and Lowery make one additional suggestion:


 * Broome Park, Edlingham (demolished 1953)