First Newport Castle
| Newport Castle | |
|---|---|
| Newport, Wales | |
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 Newport Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°35′26″N 2°59′42″W / 51.590621°N 2.994993°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Site history | |
| Built | 14th century |
| Battles/wars |
Sacked by Owain Glyndŵr |
| Type | Grade II listed |
| Designated | 1951 |
Sacked by Owain Glyndŵr
Newport Castle 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 the crossing of the River Usk. The castle was used as administrative offices for the collection of rent and dues from local tenants, and was also a residence and a garrison. In 1402 it was sacked by Owain Glyndŵr. It was in disrepair by 1522, and was taken by Oliver Cromwell's forces during the Civil War. Its use declined further in later centuries. It has been a Grade II* Listed building since 1951.
The castle is in the city of Newport between the Newport Bridge and the neighbouring railway bridge, on the west bank of the River Usk. It is adjacent to the B4591 (A4042), at the Old Green interchange.
The castle was built of Old Red Sandstone and local grey limestone. Originally, it was surrounded by a moat, within a "rectangular walled court". Trett said that "in its heyday it would have dominated the town and the river crossing." It had three tall towers, a large rectangular central tower and two two-storey polygonal end towers, which connected by straight walls. Its form is based upon the line of the river bank on which it is located. A vaulted audience chamber sat above a watergate — "a fortified gate... for use of people and supplies arriving by boat". Above the watergate were turrets.
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