Newport is a market town in Shropshire, England. Situated within the borough of Telford and Wrekin, about 10 km (6 mi) from Telford and 19 km (12 mi) from Stafford, it is right on the border between Shropshire and Staffordshire. The town has a population of around 12,500 people (2012 estimate).
Newport traces its history to the Anglo-Saxon period. It was once within the historic Saxon kingdom of Mercia. People have settled in the area long before the town was established. During that time, two separate Saxon villages existed, called Eastun and Plesc. Both of these are today part of present-day Newport.
During the Norman Conquest in 1066, the Newport area was part of the manor of Edgmond. William the Conqueror gave it to Roger, Earl of Shrewsbury. Under King Henry I, a new town was created in the Norman style, with a wide main street and Norman architecture. They called it Novo Burgo, when over time evolved into Newboroough and eventually Newport. A market charter was granted by King Henry I, enabling the town to hold a weekly market.
Newport flourished on trade, particularly in leather, wool and fish, especially in the Late Medieval and Tudor periods, as reflected in the fine half-timbered houses in town. The town was also given the right to provide fish to the royal household. A massive blaze in 1665 destroyed many of the buildings in Newport.
Today Newport is a small, quiet town. Nothing much in terms of development has happened here until 2007, when it received major investments, allowing it to embark on a regeneration program.
From London, take the M1 motorway to Junction 19, then continue west on the M6 motorway till Birmingham, where you exit at Junction 11 to the M54 motorway. Continue heading west on the M54 motorway until Junction 3, and take the A41 road heading north till you reach Newport.
Places of Interest in Newport, Shropshire
Aqualate Mere: Largest natural lake in the English Midlands.
Puleston Cross: A butter cross near the St Nicholas Church. It is the oldest man-made landmark in Newport.
St Nicholas Church, Newport: Anglican church within the Diocese of Lichfield, in Newport, Shropshire. It dates to the 14th century.
St Peter and St Paul Catholic Church: Church in Newport Salters Lane. It dates from 1857 and is the oldest Catholic church in Shropshire.
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