Newport Rising: Chartist march on Newport

Background. The rising was precipitated by the rejection of the first Chartist petition in July 1839 and the conviction of Henry Vincent in August. Chartism, a working-class movement for political reform, was particularly strong in South Wales. The march aimed to secure the release of prisoners held at the Westgate Hotel.

The March. On the night of 3–4 November 1839, John Frost, alongside William Jones and Zephaniah Williams, led several thousand marchers through South Wales to Newport. The group, some of whom were armed, marched on the Westgate Hotel in central Newport to attempt to secure the release of five arrested Chartists.

Aftermath. Following the confrontation, the leaders were tried at Monmouth's Shire Hall in early 1840. Frost, Williams, and Jones were transported to Tasmania. Despite the setback, the Chartist movement remained buoyant until late 1842, with continued political activity and petitions.