Newport Rising

The Newport Rising of 1839 was the last major armed rebellion in Britain, driven by the Chartist movement’s push for democratic rights like universal suffrage and secret ballots. Prior to their push, the British people had very few rights politically. As often is the case, they had to take drastic measures to get the rights that were due them.

The uprising took place on November 4, 1839, and was part of the broader Chartist movement advocating political reforms for the disenfranchised working class. The movement gained traction after the 1832 Reform Act, which many felt failed to address the workers’ needs. The People’s Charter of 1838 outlined six demands: universal suffrage for men over 21, secret ballots, no property requirements for MPs, wages for MPs, equal constituencies, and annual parliamentary elections. The protesters felt that the working class was virtually left high and dry in the 1832 Reform Act.

On the night of November 4th, 4,000 to 10,000 Chartists, led by John Frost, Zephaniah Williams, and William Jones, marched to Newport to free arrested Chartists held at the Westgate Hotel. Tensions escalated as soldiers protecting the hotel opened fire, leaving 10 to 24 protesters dead and many injured. The protesters really had no protection as they stormed the hotel. Though it was suppressed that night, the Newport Rising highlighted the working class’s growing discontent and demand for reform. The leaders were arrested and sentenced to death for treason, but their sentences were later reduced to life in prison.

Today, the events are remembered in Newport through memorials and discussions, marking a key moment in the fight for democracy and the eventual expansion of voting rights in Britain. While these people fought for what they believed, their fight was a tough one, but before long, their demands were finally addressed.