Newport

Newport © IOW Tourism

Located in the centre of the Island, Newport is its capital and major shopping centre.

Newport received its first charter from Richard De Redvers in 1190. The town was subject to raids from the French and was burnt to the ground in 1377. It wasn't until the 17th century that the town prospered. The old Grammar School in Lower St James Street dating from 1612 is one of Newport's oldest buildings.

Just south of the town centre is Carisbrooke, the Island's medieval capital dominated by Carisbrooke Castle, which was the prison of Charles I before his execution. A straight road was built from the castle to the quay on the River Medina, which later became Newport's high street.

A wealth of Georgian and early Victorian architecture abound as Newport became a flourishing market town in this period. Evidence of this history can be seen in its narrow back streets, wide squares and riverside quay.

In St Thomas Square, once a corn market, you will find the Parish Church of St Thomas built between 1854 and 1857. Its corner stone was laid by Prince Albert and inside you will find the tomb of young Princess Elizabeth, Charles I's daughter who died at Carisbrooke.

In nearby St James' square there are memorials to two past Island patrons. In the centre of the square can be found an imposing memorial to Queen Victoria, and facing it is a bronze bust of Lord Louis Mountbatten, former Governor of the Island.

Other buildings worth noting are the Guildhall, designed by John Nash in the High Street, which houses the Museum of Island History, The Roman Villa in Cypress Road, the Quay Arts Centre in the old docks area which was once a brewers warehouse, and God's Providence House with it's beautiful 18th century shell porch in St Thomas Square.

Today Newport is the bustling, busy commercial and administrative centre of the Island. Shopping in Newport is a pleasure with many well-known national outlets alongside some excellent independent and specialist shops.

Cafes, pubs and restaurants are plentiful both on the high street and back streets. Added to this, Newport boasts three theatres, two cinemas, a gym, indoor swimming pool, art centre, public library and Island museum.

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