The Westgate Hotel was the site of the famous 1839 battle, between Chartist demonstrators and soldiers. I have read in many books and internet sites that "you can still see the bullet holes in the doorway of the Westgate Hotel". So I thought aha, great photo opportunity.
However, the lady at the Tourist Information Centre knew nothing about them. In her view, they did not exist and she was sure the door had been replaced.
Well, I found the main door to the Westgate Hotel. The bottom part is definitely modern. The old, stone top part was sooo worn with age that there was no way of telling whether the holes and bumps were caused in battle, or by bullets.
So don't expect Newport to look like downtown Sarajevo. You have to be a forensic archaologist to spot a bullet hole, if they exist.
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At Least Do This: Opposite the Westgate Hotel are a collection of statues commemorating the Chartist rebellion.
Well, actually around every corner there is something commemorating the Chartist Rebellion. You will begin to spot a theme :-)
Alternative: (a) go to the Museum in John Frost Square and read the story.
(b) bring a semi-automatic machine gun with you and create your own holes as required.
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on Mar 26, 2005
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