A village has its very own Royal landmark in the form of a bespoke brick engraved with King Charles' unique cypher.

Engine Common in South Gloucestershire now has one of just 20 ever produced and cast by Northcot Brick Company, based at Blockley in the north Cotswolds.

Tom Sheppard, who lives near Engine Common, was gifted the commemorative item by master brickmakers Northcot Brick who made the one-of-a-kind, hand thrown brick in honour of His Majesty King Charles' III coronation last year.

Tom lives locally and is the design director for Newland Homes; the housebuilder building zero carbon homes just off North Road in Engine Common. He chose to install the commemorative brick in the entrance wall to Newland Homes' new development, known as Great Oaks, for everyone to enjoy.

The brick depicts the King's cypher, which is the Sovereign's monogram, consisting of the initials of the monarch's name, Charles, and title Rex, which is Latin for King, alongside a representation of the Crown.

Tom said: "It was an honour to receive this special piece of art designed by award-winning ceramic artist Maria Gasparian. King Charles has led by example with his efforts to make the royal household greener and to champion many positive environmental changes over his lifetime, so it seemed fitting to place this brick at the entranceway to our latest collection of zero carbon homes which are powered by renewable energy."

Eighty-four three- and four-bedroom zero carbon homes are being constructed just off North Road, complete with high levels of insulation, solar panels for electricity generation, air source heat pumps for hot water and heating, and electric car charging points. Rather unusually for new build developments, three detached bungalows will also be built.

The highly efficient homes at Great Oaks will be equipped with the latest renewable technology to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, providing a cleaner and greener alternative to homeowners and transforming the way homes are designed and run.

Continuing the environmentally friendly approach, allotments will also be created for people to grow their own produce at Great Oaks and a natural play area will be created adjacent to an area of open space for all to enjoy.

The first showhome will open at Great Oaks next month and until then, Newland Homes will have a presence in Andrews Estate Agents in Yate. It is anticipated that the first zero carbon homes will be ready for occupation later this year.

Prices at Great Oaks start from £375,000 for a three bedroom, semi-detached home. Tailor-made appointments are available daily, please call 01454 537993 to book. 

For further information and to view the homes online, please visit: www.newlandhomes.co.uk/enginecommon  or follow Newland Homes on socials @newlandhomes