River port, administrative headquarters of the
Isle of Wight unitary authority, southern England, on the River Medina; population (2001) 23,000. Newport is the retail centre for the island, and Parkhurst Prison and Camp Hill Prison, in the nearby residential district of Parkhurst, are important sources of employment. Products include electronic current boards and computer parts. Charles I was imprisoned 16471648 in nearby Carisbrooke Castle.
Newport formerly imported goods but now has a marina, without major port facilities.
© RM 2009. Helicon Publishing is division of RM.