 The first ferry from Arlingham to Newnham was recorded in 1238 and the British Universal Trade Directory of 1792 noted that Newnham provided "a very safe ferry over the Severn".Horses and coaches were carried in the 18th century and animals were carried in an ox or cattle boat and crossed the river to the railway station in Newham when it opened in 1852 until 1914; the Ferry was also very important to the people of Arlingham because they could cross the river to trade, catch a train to South Wales or Gloucester or travel onwards.Bakers in Newman crossed the river daily to trade, bringing back cream and farm produce.