William Newton (architect, 1730–1798)
# 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:

