Europe · United Kingdom · Newport, Wales
Newport Castle
The story
History of Newport Castle
Newport Castle (Welsh: Castell Casnewydd) is a ruined castle in Newport, Wales. It was built in the 14th century, probably by Hugh de Audley, 1st Earl of Gloucester or his son-in-law, Ralph, Earl of Stafford, with the purpose of managing…
United Kingdom · Newport, Wales
- Built
- 14th century
- Era
- Medieval
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Newport, Wales
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 51.591, -2.995
In depth
The fuller history
The first castle at "Castell Newyd ar Uysc" (New Castle on the River Usk) was a Norman motte possibly built by William Rufus around 1075. Its exact location is uncertain, but a common theory is that it was built at Stow Hill close to St Woolos Church, about 0.5 miles (0.80 km) southwest of the later castle. In 1910, James Matthews, author of Historic Newport, wrote that the first mention of a castle in Newport was in 1126. William, Earl of Gloucester had a garrison established at the castle in 1171, but the following year the castle was destroyed by Iorwerth.
Key dates
- 1075The first castle at "Castell Newyd ar Uysc" (New Castle on the River Usk) was a Norman motte possibly built by William Rufus around 1075.
- 1320It was ceded to Hugh Despenser the Elder, 1st Earl of Winchester in 1320 and two years later Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March attacked the castle, took its furnishings and set it on fire.
- 1327Historians, such as Jeremy Knight, believe it was built between 1327 and 1386.
- 1645In 1645, during the Civil War, Colonel Henry Herbert established a garrison of 50 troops at the castle, which was taken by Oliver Cromwell's forces in 1648.
- 1883The hall's traceried windows were destroyed in that century, and the brewery was destroyed by a fire in 1883.
- 1970An inner ring road was built alongside the castle in 1970.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
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