Newport Through Time

As the county town of the Isle of Wight, Newport lies near the River Medina that connects to the Solent by way of the town's quay. Over the years, Newport has seen a number of transformations, with new shopping centres and the Quay Arts Centre. Newport is also home to Parkhurst Prison, which contributes to HMP Isle of Wight that is the largest prison in the UK. The downgrading of this prison was in fact preceded by a major escape by the prisoners. In January 1995, a number of prisoners broke free, and were not captured until four days later. It has been suggested they replicated a master key used in the prison and escaped by makeshift ladder over the prison wall. Seaclose Park in Newport, near the bank of the River Medina, has since the early twenty-first century become the location for reborn annual Isle of Wight Music Festival. Prior to this, the festival was held at number of location around the Isle of Wight and occurred annually from 1968-70. Postcard collector and photographer Tony Hudson charts this area's varied and vibrant history through a series of old images and contemporary shots, to inform the residents and visitors alike about the town they know and love so well.
 
As the county town of the Isle of Wight, Newport lies near the River Medina that connects to the Solent by way of the town's quay. Over the years, Newport has seen a number of transformations, with new shopping centres and the Quay Arts Centre. Newport is also home to Parkhurst Prison, which contributes to HMP Isle of Wight that is the largest prison in the UK. The downgrading of this prison was in fact preceded by a major escape by the prisoners. In January 1995, a number of prisoners broke free, and were not captured until four days later. It has been suggested they replicated a master key used in the prison and escaped by makeshift ladder over the prison wall. Seaclose Park in Newport, near the bank of the River Medina, has since the early twenty-first century become the location for reborn annual Isle of Wight Music Festival. Prior to this, the festival was held at number of location around the Isle of Wight and occurred annually from 1968-70. Postcard collector and photographer Tony Hudson charts this area's varied and vibrant history through a series of old images and contemporary shots, to inform the residents and visitors alike about the town they know and love so well.