Digging deep into the archives and there’s a surprising number of mentions of Newport in the 18th century. This article will cover mentions from 1730—1749 and other article will cover the rest of the 18th century. All articles have been taken from The Gloucester Journal which was first published in 1730.
1730 — Stolen Horse
An article about a stolen horse which mentions of the ‘Sign of the Griffin’ on 23rd June, 1730.
1730 — Boat Capsizes in the Severn
A market boat sailing from Newport to Bristol possibly due to sailors being drunk and overloading the boat. Reported in November 1730.
1732 — To Let: A Good House
An advert from December 1732 for house to let somewhere in Newport but due to the date likely to be somewhere in the close vicinity of High Street.
1734— For Sale: Freehold Estate in Caerleon
An estate for sale in Caerleon in May 1734 with a. Value of £20 or more.
1735 — Storm Hits the Country
In June 1735 a storm hit the country affecting many towns including Newport. St Pier’s Walk is mentioned as somewhere near Newport — I wonder if that’s St Pierre’s towards Chepstow?
1740 — Bridges Damaged By Ice
A report on 22nd January, 1740 of bridges at Newport and Caerleon being ‘broke down’ by the weight of ice.
1741 — Man Escapes from Newport Gaol
On 21st April, 1741, it was reported that a man due for transportation escaped from Newport Gaol. He was described as being ‘very ingenious in catching and carrying off deer from forests and Gentlemen’s Parks’. Two Guinea reward.
1741 — Notice of Cattle Market being Revived
A notice on 14th July about the Cattle Market being every Saturday between May and Christmas.
1741 — Surgeon Marries
An article on 25th August, 1741 mentions the marriage between an eminent Apothecary and Surgeon from Newport marrying a ‘young lady of great fortune’.
1742 — Sheep Belonging to George Kemeys killed
A report from 6th April, 1742 of George Kemeys from Newport having sheep killed on his farm.
On 5th October, 1742, it was reported that the William Thomas Rees was apprehended and committed to Monmouth Gaol.
1742 — For Sale: Large Estate
An advert from 27th April, 1742 for the sale of a large estate belonging to Charles Morgan, maltser.
It was further advertised on 22nd June, 1742 as being up for auction in London on the 6th July.
1742 — To Let: Henry Herbert’s Apothecary Shop
Dated 18th May, 1742, an advert for Henry Herbert’s house and Apothecary located in the ‘Market Place’, Newport.
1742 — Sea Wall Breached
A violent storm and high Spring-Tide in October 1742 caused a breaching of the Sea Wall between Newport and Cardiff.
1743 — A Cock Match
An advert from 31st May, 1843.
1743 — Newport Market Boat Capsizes Killing 20
News from 2nd August, 1743 of a market boat capsizing on the way to Bristol.
1743 — For Sale: Mansion House
An advert from 6th September, 1743 for the sale of a mansion house, known by the Sign of the Angel.
1744 — Stealing Money
An article published on 24th January, 1744 about two people, one a ‘Person of a plentiful Fortune’, the other ‘an Attorney of great Practice’, charge with stealing ‘twenty Copper Halfpence’.
1744 — Attacked by Footpads
An article from 31st January, 1744 about a farmer’s wife being attacked just outside Caerleon at Llanhennock by two footpads.
1744 — A Mention of an Apothecary in Newport
An article about a stolen horse that mentions an apothecary in Newport being run by a Mr Dew.
1744 – Houses and Farms For Sale
An advert for houses and farms for sale in Nash, Christchurch, Caerleon and surrounding area. Mentions the White Hart in Caerleon.
1744 — Seeking Honest Man Used to Husbandry
An advert from 18th December, 1744 that mentions the ‘Sign of the Heath-Cock’.
1745 — Another Cock-Match
1746 — For Sale: Charles Morgan’s Estate
This appears to be the same estate that was mentioned in 1742 above. There’s a mention of the ‘Sign of the Green-Dragon’ and the freehold containing land in the parishes of St Woolos, Bettws, Christchurch and Whitson. Article published 11th March, 1746.
1746 — Another Cock-Match
An advert posted in June 1746.
1746 — A Lost Dog
John Cobbs lost his dog in July, 1746.
1747 — House Broken Into
An article from 10th February, 1747 about a house in Newport that was broken into.
1747 — Another Cock-Match
An advert published in June 1747.
1748 — For Sale: Shop’s Contents
An advert from 19th January, 1748 for the contents of a shop.
1748 — Newport Free School in Need of a Master
A free school house in Newport advertised on 15th Mar, 1848 for a new headmaster after the previous one was promoted to the University of Oxford.
1749 — An Illegal Fee Being Requested by Under-Sheriffs
An advert from an attorney offering a service to those arrested who are being illegally being charged a ten shilling fee to under-sheriffs.
The same attorney had also written about the fees in 1745.
1749 — Another Cock-Match
Another cock fight was advertised in June 1749.
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