Set around the River Medina, Newport has a history going back to Roman times.
In Cypress Road, excavations in 1926 uncovered the well-preserved remains of a Roman Villa, a 3rd century farmhouse in which one side of the bu
ilding was given over entirely to baths.
Visitors can follow the bather’s progress –from April to October – through changing room, cold room, warm and hot rooms with under floor heating systems, and integral cold and hot plunge baths.
A Roman style garden has been re-created in the grounds and provides an interesting insight into the wealth of new plants the Romans introduced into Britain.
Newport received its first charter back in 1190 but the growth of the small town received a severe setback in 1377 when it was completely burnt to the ground by the French. Recovery was slow and it wasn’t until the 17th century that Newport really prospered again.
Indirectly, the new prosperity was also due to the French since the island was heavily garrisoned during the Anglo-French wars of that period. Supplying the troops with provisions and goods brought great wealth to the town.
Some striking buildin
gs have survived, amongst them God’s Providence House, built in 1701 and now a tea room; John Nash’s elegant Guildhall of 1816 which is now occupied by the Museum of Island History with plenty of hands-on and interactive displays; a charming Tudor Old Grammar School, and the parish Church of St Thomas whose foundation stone was laid in 1854 by Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert.
The church contains the tomb of the tragic Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Charles I, who died of a fever at the age of 14 while a prisoner at nearby Carisbrooke Castle.
There’s also an 18th century brewer’s warehouse near the harbour which now houses the Quay Arts Centre, incorporating a theatre, three galleries, a craft shop, café and bar; another old warehouse is home to the Classic Boat Museum. Among the highlights here are a 1910 river launch and Lady Penelope, a fabulous speedboat once owned by the 1950s socialite Lady Docker.
Other exhibits include beautifully restored sailing and power boats, along with engines, equipment and memorabilia.
