Newport Castle stands on the banks of the River Usk, where it was built in the early 14th century to guard the settlement and control the river crossing.

Newport Castle is a 14th century stone rectangular courtyard fortress, founded by Hugh d'Audele. In the 15th century, Humphrey Stafford strengthened the castle but sadly only the east front now survives. The high curtain wall, powerfully flanked by a central tower with a water-gate and two octagonal angle towers with spur buttresses, stands on the west bank of the River Usk.

The first castle was started in 1100 and both it and its successor were destroyed by the Welsh. The walls and three towers that comprised the east wing of the castle still stand on the bank of the River Usk and are mainly from the 14th and 15th century rebuilding of the third, 13th century castle. The centre tower is the gatehouse and originally at high tide small boats could enter the castle through the gatehouse. The castle was in ruins by the 17th century and motte and the rest of the bailey have been built over.

Much of the surviving stone structure dates from around 1405 when the castle was extended and strengthened following the sacking of the area by Owain Glyndwr. It has three tall towers to dominate the Usk and its linear form is dictated by its proximity to the river.

Newport Castle had an active life of about 200 years and only during very little of this time was it actually occupied by its lord. For a brief time at the beginning of the 16th century, Jasper Tudor, Henry VIII’s uncle, lived here.

The castle is currently in-accessible to the public due to health and safety concerns.