22/07/2026
🏡 Did you know in Newent? The building now occupied by The Ark Café has stood in Newent since the 1500s making this remarkable timber-framed house more than 500 years old. That means it was already an old building by the time William Shakespeare was born in 1564. It was also standing during the reign of King Henry VIII, whose rule ended in 1547,
Originally built as two separate Tudor houses, the building is one of Newent's finest surviving examples of Tudor architecture. Look up and you'll notice its striking jettied upper floor, exposed oak beams and beautifully crafted timber frame—features that have survived centuries of change.
For many years it was known as The Verger's House, as it became the home of the verger of St Mary's Church. A verger was responsible for caring for the church, preparing it for services, maintaining the churchyard and assisting the clergy. Living just a few steps from the church meant they were always on hand to carry out these important duties.
Imagine everything this building has witnessed—from Tudor England and the reign of Elizabeth I, through the English Civil War, the Industrial Revolution and two World Wars, right up to the present day. Few buildings can tell such a long and fascinating story.
Today, this historic house enjoys a new chapter as The Ark Café, welcoming residents and visitors alike who can taste the amazing bakes, cakes, salads and light lunches. So next time you pop in, remember you're sitting inside a building that has been at the heart of Newent's community for nearly five centuries. What other hidden stories might its old oak beams be able to tell?
