Westgate Hotel
Westgate Hotel The Westgate Hotel in Newport is one of the most historically significant buildings in Wales, located in the centre of the city and closely associated with the events of the Newport Rising of 1839. Although not a prehistoric or defensive site in the traditional sense, it represents a key location in the history of political struggle and social change in Britain. The building became the focal point of the Newport Rising on 4 November 1839, widely regarded as the last large-scale armed rebellion against authority in Great Britain. The uprising was led by John Frost, a former mayor of Newport and a prominent figure within the Chartist movement, which campaigned for democratic reforms including universal male suffrage. On the morning of the rising, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 Chartists marched through Newport and converged on the Westgate Hotel. Their aim was to demand the release of imprisoned comrades and to assert their political demands. Unbeknown to them, soldiers from the 45th Regiment of Foot had taken up positions inside the building. As the crowd gathered outside, the soldiers opened fire. The confrontation lasted approximately 20 to 30 minutes, resulting in the deaths of between 10 and 24 Chartists and leaving more than 50 others wounded. The event marked a decisive and violent end to the uprising. In the aftermath, John Frost and other leaders were arrested and charged with high treason. They were initially sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered, but widespread public support and petitions led to their sentences being commuted to transportation to Australia. The building itself has undergone significant changes since the 19th century. The original 18th-century inn was largely rebuilt in 1884 in a French Renaissance style. Despite this reconstruction, elements of the earlier structure were reportedly retained, including the entrance pillars associated with the events of 1839. These pillars are notable for the presence of holes traditionally believed to be musket ball impacts from the uprising. While there has been some debate over their origin, historical accounts and forensic analysis suggest that at least some of these marks may indeed be remnants of the gunfire during the confrontation. In recent decades, the building has faced periods of decline. It has been largely unused as a hotel since the early 2000s and is currently listed on the Buildings at Risk Register. Issues such as vandalism, water damage and structural deterioration have affected its condition. Between 2019 and 2023, the site saw renewed use as a community and arts venue under the stewardship of a heritage organisation focused on the Chartist movement. However, this initiative ended following a dispute over the building’s lease. As of 2026, discussions continue regarding the future of the Westgate Hotel, with proposals ranging from restoration as a hotel to redevelopment for residential use. Today, the building stands as a powerful symbol of the Chartist movement and the struggle for democratic rights in Britain. Its association with the Newport Rising gives it enduring historical importance, linking a physical location to a defining moment in the history of political reform. Alternate names: None known
Westgate Hotel
The Westgate Hotel in Newport is one of the most historically significant buildings in Wales, located in the centre of the city and closely associated with the events of the Newport Rising of 1839. Although not a prehistoric or defensive site in the traditional sense, it represents a key location in the history of political struggle and social change in Britain. The building became the focal point of the Newport Rising on 4 November 1839, widely regarded as the last large-scale armed rebellion against authority in Great Britain. The uprising was led by John Frost, a former mayor of Newport and a prominent figure within the Chartist movement, which campaigned for democratic reforms including universal male suffrage. On the morning of the rising, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 Chartists marched through Newport and converged on the Westgate Hotel. Their aim was to demand the release of imprisoned comrades and to assert their political demands. Unbeknown to them, soldiers from the 45th Regiment of Foot had taken up positions inside the building. As the crowd gathered outside, the soldiers opened fire. The confrontation lasted approximately 20 to 30 minutes, resulting in the deaths of between 10 and 24 Chartists and leaving more than 50 others wounded. The event marked a decisive and violent end to the uprising. In the aftermath, John Frost and other leaders were arrested and charged with high treason. They were initially sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered, but widespread public support and petitions led to their sentences being commuted to transportation to Australia. The building itself has undergone significant changes since the 19th century. The original 18th-century inn was largely rebuilt in 1884 in a French Renaissance style. Despite this reconstruction, elements of the earlier structure were reportedly retained, including the entrance pillars associated with the events of 1839. These pillars are notable for the presence of holes traditionally believed to be musket ball impacts from the uprising. While there has been some debate over their origin, historical accounts and forensic analysis suggest that at least some of these marks may indeed be remnants of the gunfire during the confrontation. In recent decades, the building has faced periods of decline. It has been largely unused as a hotel since the early 2000s and is currently listed on the Buildings at Risk Register. Issues such as vandalism, water damage and structural deterioration have affected its condition. Between 2019 and 2023, the site saw renewed use as a community and arts venue under the stewardship of a heritage organisation focused on the Chartist movement. However, this initiative ended following a dispute over the building’s lease. As of 2026, discussions continue regarding the future of the Westgate Hotel, with proposals ranging from restoration as a hotel to redevelopment for residential use. Today, the building stands as a powerful symbol of the Chartist movement and the struggle for democratic rights in Britain. Its association with the Newport Rising gives it enduring historical importance, linking a physical location to a defining moment in the history of political reform. Alternate names: None known
Condition Rating 4