The town was founded by the
Norman William FitzMartin (c. 1155 – 1209) in about 1197. He was a son-in-law of
the Lord Rhys, who nevertheless expelled him from his former base at nearby
Nevern, which had been established by his father
Robert fitz Martin. William founded Newport as the new capital of the
Marcher Lordship of
Cemais and it was a busy port founded primarily on the growing medieval wool trade. Despite seizure from the native Welsh, it remained within the
FitzMartin family until the death of William, the 2nd Lord Martin, who died without a male heir in 1326.
Newport Castle, built by FitzMartin, is situated on a spur of
Carn Ingli which overlooks Newport and much of the surrounding countryside. Though in ruins since at least the 17th century, it is impressive due to its situation; a house incorporating the castle walls, which faces west over the town, the bay and the
Irish Sea, is still inhabited. In the town is a significant mediaeval pottery kiln from the 15th century, believed to be the only intact example in Britain; finds include jugs, pots, ridge tiles and distilling equipment. Excavation was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2017. Newport appears prominently on a 1578 parish map of Pembrokeshire, and is a former
marcher borough.
George Owen of Henllys, in 1603, described it as one of five Pembrokeshire boroughs overseen by a
portreeve. It retains some of the borough customs such as electing a mayor, who
beats the bounds on horseback every August. In the 1880s the castle was associated with
John Brett, who rented it for his large family while he spent summers cruising the south and west coasts of Wales painting, sketching and photographing. He moored his 210-ton
schooner,
Viking (which had a crew of twelve) at Parrog. A lifeboat station (now a private residence) was operated from a beach known as The Cwm to the west of Parrog in the early 20th century. ==Governance==