Overview of Newton Stewart

A village in the old county of Wigtownshire in Dumfries and Galloway, Newton Stewart is located on the River Cree 7 miles north of Wigtown and 25 miles east of Stranraer. The town was founded in the late 17th Century by William Stewart (at Castle Stewart) but was not built until the early 18th century; a bridge was put across the Cree in 1745 but the present bridge was built by John Rennie (1812-13). The town's name changed to Newton Douglas in the 1770s when Sir William Douglas of Gelston took over as its superior, but his attempts at carpet manufacturing soon failed and the original name was reinstated. Other industries have included cotton and even cartridge loaders but it has been best known for its wool market.

The history of the town and the region of Galloway is on view at the Museum in the former St John's Church on York Road, and the Creebridge Mill (Mohair and Woolens) is open to the public. The area is popular for outdoor pursuits including fishing, and walking in the Galloway Forest Park and the Machars district. There is an 18-hole golf course nearby at Minnigaff.