Description
The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, in the village of Newton, Porthcawl, was established in the year 1189, probably by the Knights Hospitalisers of the Order of St.John of Jerusalem.
The church has a unique wall-pulpit dating from pre-Reformation times, depicting the flagellation of Christ by Roman soldiers. The stone altar with its huge mensa dates from the founding of the church and has remained in its original state. The church was restored in the late 19th century, and again in 2004, when new discoveries were made beneath the old plasterwork in the nave, and the altar was brought forward from the east wall, together with other significant changes, probably returning the nave and chancel close to their original appearance.
This fascinating documentary film was originally released in 1995, and the second edition includes scenes filmed after the 2004 restoration.