Newport Castle was a stronghold of the Marcher Lordship of Cemais in the late 12th century but destroyed by the Welsh on two occassions within the next 57 years, before being rebuilt in stone. In its later life the gatehouse is rebuilt as a mansion by the Victorians and is still occupied today. The castle is private but can be seen from Penffaid, the lane that runs below the castle grounds from castle street.

~ History ~

1135 ~ The first Norman invader in north Pembrokeshire is Robert Martin, who, not content with his estates in Somerset and Devon, is greedy for land in Wales. Landing first at Fishguard near the mouth of the Gwaun Valley, he later moves to Nevern and becomes the first Marcher Lord of Kemes, with Nevern Castle being his family's main seat in the area. He also establishes an earthwork and timber pallisade castle at Trefdraeth (Newport). Its commanding position and proximity to being resupplied by the sea making it an ideal location

1191 ~ William Fitzmartin, grandson of Robert Fitzmartin, is married to the powerful Welsh ruler The Lord Rhys. However, whilst William is absent from Nevern Castle, having sailed with King Richard I on the Third Crusade, takes advantage of his son-in-law's absence and captures Nevern Castle for himself. The Fitzmartin's move their seat to Newport Castle.

1215 ~ The Lordship passes to the Audley's, but the Welsh under the leadership of Llewelyn the Great destroy the castle, before its is eventually recaptured & repaired.

1257 ~ The Welsh return, this time under the leadership of Llewelyn the Last, and again destroy the castle. This time the castle is rebuilt in stone, including a twin-towered gatehouse and three flanking towers.

1324 ~ The last Fitzmartin owner dies. The castle passes to the Audley's who rebuild the fortifications.

1497 ~ King Henry VII has Lord Audley executed for high treason and takes the castle into Crown control.

1534 ~ The castle is restored to Audley's son, but he sold the property in 1543 to a wealthy lawyer named William Owen.

1543 ~ The lordship is sold by the Audley's to a wealthy lawyer named William Owen, who wants the lordship and status that comes with this, rather than the castle itself, which is allowed to decay to ruin.

1859 ~ The gatehouse is restored into a mansion by the Lloyd family, who also pull down one of the medieval towers.