About the area
Newport, on the mouth of the River Usk was a medieval port with a castle on the banks of the river, that later became a major iron and coal port. A medieval ship has been uncovered from the river and is currently being restored. The Tredegar family were the land owners and you can visit their home, Tredegar House and Park. Another important part of the cities past is that over 20 men lost their lives when workers from the valleys marched into Newport as part of the Chartist campaign for the vote in 1839.
One of the most notable features is the Transporter Bridge that was opened in 1906. It was built to join the two sides of the river and to allow ships to pass by – a new visitor centre is about to open.
On the outskirts of the city is the Roman town of Isca, known as Caerleon where the Legio II Augusta were based – you can visit the baths, amphitheatre and barracks and there is a fascinating museum.
Nearby your will find the Celtic Manor Resort, where the Ryder Cup was held in 2010 – you can play the Twenty Ten course.
Fascinating Facts
Location
Places in
Newport
Caerleon was the legionary fortress for the Roman Legio II Augusta between 75AD and 300AD, and was known as Isca, after the River Usk. There are extensive and impressive Roman remains to explore including the amphitheatre, bath complex and barracks. There are also lots of finds in the Roman Legionary Museum. In recent years there have been major excavations of the harbour. There are lots of historic buildings around the town including The Priory (an abbey was first built here in 1179), the Olde Bull Inn (15th century) and the Hanbury Arms (1565).
Newport became a city in 2002. It has a rich history from Bronze Age fishermen, through the Roman and Norman occupations, the founding of what is now St Woolos Cathedral, the development of the industrial port for iron and coal, the Chartist Rising when over 20 died seeking the vote, and the construction of the Transporter Bridge, crossing the River Usk on a flying gondola. There’s a great museum and art gallery, the Newport Ship and Tredegar House, as well as Celtic Manor which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2010.