Newport, Pembrokeshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Newport
|
|
|---|---|
 Newport and Nevern estuary |
|
 Newport
|
|
| Population | 1,161 (2011 census) |
| OS grid reference | SN055395 |
| Community |
|
| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | NEWPORT |
| Postcode district | SA42 |
| Dialling code | 01239 |
| Police | Dyfed-Powys |
| Fire | Mid and West Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
|
Newport (called Welsh: Trefdraeth in Welsh, meaning "town by the beach") is a small town in West Wales. It is located right on the coast of Pembrokeshire, where the River Nevern (Welsh: Afon Nyfer) meets the sea. This area is part of the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Newport is also known for its bay, Newport Bay.
Newport is a popular spot for tourists. The main road, the (A487), runs through the town. The old port area, called Parrog, offers many fun activities like beach visits and water sports.
Contents
History of Newport
How Newport Was Founded
Newport was started around 1197 by a Norman lord named William FitzMartin. He was a powerful figure from Normandy, France. William decided to build Newport as the new main town for his land, called Cemais. It quickly became a busy port, especially for trading wool in the Middle Ages.
The town stayed with the FitzMartin family for many years. However, the last Lord Martin died in 1326 without a son.
Newport Castle
William FitzMartin also built Newport Castle. It sits high on a hill called Mynydd Carningli, looking over Newport and the surrounding area. Even though it has been a ruin since the 1600s, it is still very impressive. Part of the castle walls are now part of a house, which is still lived in today.
Old Pottery and Customs
In Newport, there is a special pottery kiln from the 1400s. It is believed to be the only complete one of its kind in Britain. People have found old jugs, pots, and even distilling tools there.
In 1603, a writer named George Owen described Newport as one of the important towns in Pembrokeshire. The town still keeps some old traditions, like electing a mayor. The mayor rides around the town's borders every August in a custom called "beating the bounds."
Artists and the Sea
In the 1880s, a famous artist named John Brett rented the castle. He spent his summers painting, sketching, and taking photos of the Welsh coast. He kept his large sailing ship, the Viking, at Parrog. There was also a lifeboat station at a beach called The Cwm in the early 1900s, which is now a private home.
How Newport Is Governed
Local Government
Newport has its own local government called the Newport Town Council. People living in the community vote for up to eleven town councillors. These councillors meet every month to discuss local matters.
Newport is also an electoral ward for the Pembrokeshire County Council. This means it elects one county councillor to represent the town at a higher level. Many councillors in this area are "Independent," meaning they don't belong to a specific political party.
Areas of Newport
Town Centre
Newport town has a small but busy shopping area. You can find most things you need there, including a post office and many different shops. There are also old buildings, like the castle, which is being repaired but is not open to the public.
Parrog Area
The old port area, Parrog, has a lot of history. You can see parts of the old quay walls and two old lime kilns. There are places to moor small boats, holiday homes, and restaurants. If the tide is low, you can even walk across the river carefully. Parrog also has two beaches, a golf course, a club for windsurfing and sailing, pubs, hotels, and camping sites.
Historic Buildings
Newport has more than 60 buildings that are "listed." This means they are special and protected because of their history or architecture.
Things to Do in Newport
Places of Worship
.jpg)
St Mary's Church is located below the castle. It dates back to the time of the FitzMartin family. It is a Grade II* listed building, meaning it is very important historically. Other religious buildings in town include Bethlehem Chapel and Tabernacle Chapel.
Places to Stay and Eat
.jpg)
Newport has several places where you can stay or eat. These include the Llwyngwair Arms in the town centre and the Cnapan Hotel, which is a Georgian-style hotel and restaurant.
Sailing Fun
The Newport Sailing Club is in an old warehouse. It has facilities for its members and a bar that is open to everyone.
Walking and Nature
Newport is on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which is part of the longer Wales Coast Path. It has a youth hostel and is a popular place for walks in the Preseli Hills. The Carn Ingli hill, an Iron Age hillfort with old hut circles, is just outside town. You can also find the Carreg Coetan Arthur burial chamber and the West Wales Eco Centre nearby.
Just north of Newport are the Newport Cliffs. This area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which means it is protected for its special natural features.
Famous People from Newport
- Robert FitzMartin (around 10?? – 1159) was a Norman knight. He was the first Lord of Cemais and helped found Newport Castle.
- John Grono (around 1767–1847) was born in Newport. He became a sailor, ship builder, and farmer who later settled in Australia.
- James Bevan Bowen (MP) (1828–1905) was from Llwyngwair, near Newport. He was an important official in Pembrokeshire in 1862.
- John Seymour (1914–2004) was an author who lived on a farm near Newport from 1963 to 1980.
- Dillwyn Miles (1915–2007) was a writer and teacher who was born in Newport.
Town Twinning
Newport is twinned with two other places:
See also
In Spanish: Newport (Pembrokeshire) para niños
