About Newport |
| The town of Newport was created after the Normans conquered Gwent in 1093. In the early 12th century they built a castle by a ford in the river Usk. Soon a little town grew up by the castle. In the Middle Ages towns often appeared by castles as the garrisons provided a ready market for the townspeople's goods. Soon a weekly market would begin in the town and people would come from the surrounding countryside to buy and sell. The little town of Newport only had a population of a few hundred. It would seem tiny to us but settlements were very small in those days. Nevertheless Welsh towns were very small compared to English ones. Today Newport is a thriving commercial, trade and tourist community. Newport was made a city in 2002. Today the population of Newport is 119,000. |
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| Newport Museum and Art Gallery are in one building in John Frost Square making it a focal point for the visitor. Newport Museum contains a wealth of material from Roman archaeology to natural history. The Art Gallery has fascinating collections of historic and contemporary British paintings, and a changing exhibition programme.
The Transporter Bridge - Opened in 1906 to provide a crossing between the west and east banks of the river Usk, there are believed to be only five other bridges like this in the world. This aerial ferry allowed people to cross the river without obstructing shipping. An unusual sight, the Transporter Bridge, is a fascinating piece of engineering which won the 'Europa Nostra' Heritage award. Newport has one of the finest leisure and entertainment centres in the country, which holds world class concerts and hosts a wide range of events, as well as having popular sports facilities. Newport is home to one of the largest complexes of championship golf courses in Europe, The Celtic Manor Resort. |
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| Newport is surrounded by beautiful landscapes; The Wye Valley, an area of Outstanding Beauty; the undulating Vale of Usk, famous for its salmon fishing; and the Brecon Beacons National Park and Forest of Dean both of which are less than an hour's drive.
Caerleon - 3 miles north-east of Newport is Caerleon 'the fortress of the Legion' was one of the most important military sites in Britain under the Roman Empire. Today you can see it brought to life at the Fortress Baths. Visit The Roman Legionary Museum where there is a hands on section for children. |
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