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Visiting Acton Burnell Castle
The ruins of the once imposing Newport Castle still stand in Newport, Wales. The busy Newport city has all but swallowed up the 14th-century old red sandstone and limestone castle, and only the towers and remnants of a defensive wall that front the River Usk remain. Only external viewing is allowed and the site is operated and protected by CadW.
Parking
One may locate the Newport Castle ruins in central Newport, between the B4596 and the railway line to the central station. Although there is no dedicated car park, there are several options nearby for visitors to choose such as Rodney Road NP190AD.
Price
Free
Opening
Open year-round; visit at any reasonable time during daylight hours.
Location & Access
Newport Castle
Newport NP20 1DA
UK
51°35'26.7"N 2°59'42.1"W
Newport Castle stands in the city of Newport between the Newport Bridge and the adjacent railway bridge on the west side of the River Usk, next to the B4591 (A4042) at the old green interchange. Unfortunately, the castle is in a poorly preserved state, and the roads and railway make the ruins inaccessible, although one may view the remains from the adjacent bridge.
Know Before You Go
- One may not access the interior of the castle ruins as the area is fenced off from the public. The structural instability dictates that people view the ruins externally from a safe vantage point.
- The ruined area has become the site of homeless and indigent members of Newport city. Visitors should take care of their safety and possessions when approaching the ruins and surroundings.
- The council does not provide any information boards for the public, so visitors should research the site online or download an online guide when visiting the site.
History of Newport Castle
Time Line
-1075 (Norman Build)
The original Norman castle was named "Castell Newyd ar Uysc" (New Castle on the River Usk). William II, otherwise called William Rufus, the third son of William the Conqueror, most likely built the original fortification. It is a matter of debate as to the specific location of this first timber and earthwork fort.
-1135 (Second Build)
The Anglo-Norman Robert Fitzmartin created the next castle on the site and the surrounding borough of Newport. The castle was an earthwork and timber fortification protected by timber palisades typical of the era and provided sea access for supplies from England. The castle became the stronghold of the Fitzmartins, which they rebuilt in stone in the 13th century.
-1172
Historical records state that King Henry II visited Castell ar Uysc. An account record shows that the occupants spent a substantial amount of six pounds and fourteen shillings on repairs.
-1215 (Captured by Welsh)
Llywelyn ap Lorwerth captured the castle in 1215, but the Normans took the castle back shortly afterwards.
-1249
Henry III restored the castle, and the Earl of Leicester assumed ownership of the castle in 1265.
-1257 (Captured by Welsh)
Llywelyn ap Gruffudd captured the castle from the Normans and which was again once recaptured by the Normans.
-1295
Prince Edward occupied the castle and ordered repairs on the castle when he became king.
-1320
The castle changed hands to the somewhat unpopular Hugh le Despenser, 1st Earl of Winchester.
-1322 (Attacked and Burned)
Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, attacked the castle, robbed it of furnishings, and set the castle alight. The damage was so extensive that they needed over 300 trees to reconstruct the fortification.
-1326 (Stone Build)
Historians suggest that Hugh de Audley, 1st Earl of Gloucester, built the second castle, commonly known as Newport Castle, after he took control of Despensers estates in 1326. Alternatively, his son, Ralph, Earl of Stafford, may have been responsible for building the castle between 1327-1386.
-1405 (Sacked)
The castle first entered historical records in 1405 for extensive repairs three years after it was sacked during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr.
-1435
Humphrey Stafford, Lord of Newport, undertook further work on the castle.
-1460
Historians suggest that Owen Tudor was imprisoned in Newport Castle before his execution. Jasper Tudor, uncle to Henry VII, briefly took residence in the castle after the Battle of Bosworth in the early 16th century.
-1521
Henry the VIII seized the castle and assumed control of the site until 1547 when Edward VI took possession of the castle and estates.
-1522
The castle began to suffer neglect, and historical records already described the castle as being in a state of disrepair.
-1548
William Herbert began his lease of Newport Castle.
-1645 (Garisined)
Colonel Henry Herbert established a royalist garrison of 50 troops at the advent of the Second English Civil War.
-1648 (Seized)
Oliver Cromwell's parliamentary forces seized control of the castle from the Crown.
-1548
The Herbert and Morgan families took ownership of the castle and retained ownership for over 300 years.
-1743
Newport Castle stands in ruins at this time.
-19th Century
The buildings inside the castle walls were used as a brewery and tannery when extensive damage occurred. At this time, the occupants and sundry activities destroyed the traceried windows of the great hall. Fire further damaged the structure in 1883.
-1891-1899
The Corporation acquired ownership of the castle, and later, Lord Tredegar bought the rest of the castle.
-1930-1950
The Office of Works took control of the castle, and some refurbishment of the stonework took place.
-1951
The castle was listed as a Grade II Listed building.
-1970
An inner ring road was built alongside the castle ruins.
-2003-2006
The council permanently fenced the castle site from access and closed the public footpath in 2006.
-2011
The site was permanently closed to the public due to structural instability and safety concerns.
-Present
Only the east portion of the castle remains overlooking the River Usk.
Newport Castle Occupants
Historically, the function of Newport Castle was not primarily residential but predominantly administrative for a large part of its lifespan. However, there have been some notable occupants over the centuries, which are as follows:
- 1075: William Rufus occupied the original castle fortification.
- 1135: Robert Fitzmartin occupied the castle built on the site, made of timber and earthworks.
- 1172: King Henry II visited Newport Castle.
- 1249: The Earl of Leicestershire took occupation.
- 1295: Prince Edward, the future King Edward I, occupied Newport Castle.
- 1320: Hugh Depsenser assumed ownership.
- 1326: Hugh de Audley, 1st Earl of Gloucester, or his son, Ralph, Earl of Stafford, built the stone castle of Newport.
- 1460: Owen Tudor was imprisoned in the castle.
- The early 1600s: Jasper Tudor, uncle of Henry VII, occupied the castle.
- 1521: King Henry VIII assumed ownership.
- 1547: Edward VI inherited the states and castle.
- 1548: William Herbert leased the castle, with the Herbert and Morgan families occupying the site for 300 years, after which the castle fell to ruin.
Newport Castle Q&A
What Remains of the Original Newport Castle?
Initially, a deep moat surrounded the castle, which filled up with the tides and allowed occupants access via the watergate still visible from the centre tower. The castle once contained a great hall, kitchen gallery, chambers, and additional apartments built in the 15th century.
Today, three towers remain, arranged from north to south along the River Usk. The two-storey north tower has remains of a hall with windows to the east with a fireplace and anteroom windows. The central tower has the remnants of the watergate and ribbed vaulting with floral bosses and a turret to the north-west.
The south of the central tower has 15th-century remains of a narrow room and wall gallery with small windows. The once two-story south tower raised by Humphrey Stafford houses the lord's apartments and fireplaces.
What Was the Main Use of the Castle?
The chief role of the castle was that of an administrative nature, although the castle did perform a military function on several occasions. The careless construction of the city features have almost obliterated this once proud monument, and poor preservation has made the castle structurally unsound.
Is Newport Castle Haunted?
Even though very little of the castle remains, there have been reports of paranormal sightings at the castle ruins. Onlookers have witnessed the apparition of a giant, bearded man on top of the largest tower, who they believe is the ghost of Robert Fitzmartin, the Norman occupant of the castle site.
Location of Newport Castle
The first Newport Castle was called "Castell Newyd ar Uysc'' and was a Norman fortification built by Wiliam Rufus around 1075. The exact location is not certain, as the earthwork and timber construction type of the era are unlikely to leave substantial archaeological remains. Historians suggest that the Normans built the original castle at Stow Hill close to Woolos Church, about 800 metres (2,624.67 feet) southwest of the later Newport Castle