The original name of the town in Welsh was
Casnewydd-ar-Wysg. This means New Castle on the Usk.
The history of the town stretches back 2,000 years
to a Celtic settlement. One of the Romans biggest
fortresses was built in Caerleon, three miles north
of the Town Centre, where well-preserved remains are
a major tourist attraction in the area.
Newport also has its own castle built in the
14th Century. Only ruins are left now, and due to
the demands of modern transport, most of the castle
lies under the road. However the east side of the
castle has survived, although it stands between a
road and a railway bridge.
