History is only as good as the evidence behind it. To ensure the stories on this site are accurate, I rely on a combination of contemporary reporting, cartographic analysis, and local archives.

Below is a breakdown of the primary databases and archives I consult to research the articles on this site.

🗞️ Newspaper Archives

Newspapers are the "first draft of history." I use them to track daily events, police records, adverts, and the social atmosphere of the time.

Open Access Archives

  • Monmouthshire Merlin: Essential for detailed local news in Newport and the surrounding valleys during the 19th century.
  • The Cardiff Times: Often has news stories and council meetings from Newport.
  • The Cambrian: The first newspaper published in Wales, offering a vital window into the early era.
  • South Wales Daily News: Sometimes has news about Newport.

— Access them on the National Library of Wales

Subscription Services

  • South Wales Argus & Weekly Argus: The full archive of Gwent's newspaper. The Weekly Argus often offers things that aren't in the main paper.
  • Gwent Star: Used for community-focused reporting and local events.

— Access them on Newspapers.com

🗺️ Cartography & Geography

To understand what happened, you have to understand where it happened.

  • Side by Side Maps (NLS): A powerful tool for comparing historical layouts directly against modern satellite imagery to spot lost landmarks.
  • OS Maps: Side by Side Maps also offers maps from the late 1880s.
  • Old Maps Online: Great for old insurance maps of Newport.
  • Welsh Tithe Maps (1840): Indispensable for understanding land ownership, field names, and boundaries in the mid-19th century. Often use this in conjunction with news stories and adverts from the early 1840s

💡 Reader Tip: How to use Side by Side Maps

I frequently mention "Side by Side" maps in my articles. If you want to explore them yourself (usually via the National Library of Scotland), here is how to get the most out of them:

  1. Select a historic map: Choose a map series from the dropdown on the bottom left (e.g., OS 25 Inch, 1890s).
  2. Use the Slider: By default, swipe is not enabled so click on the bottom at the top of the page to enable. Drag the blue slider in the centre of the screen left or right. This peels back the modern satellite view to reveal the old map underneath, allowing you to see exactly where old farmhouses or railways stood in relation to today's buildings and roads.

🏛️ Digital Resources

  • Newport Past: An invaluable repository of local knowledge, photos, and historical data dedicated to the history of Newport.

📚 Local Libraries & Archives

Not everything is online. For physical records and rare texts, I rely on local collections.

  • Newport Reference Library: A vital resource for researching Newport's history. The library holds a comprehensive host of physical records, including:
    • Street Directories: Crucial for tracking residents and businesses year by year.
    • Voters' Registers: Essential for tracing family names and property occupancy.
    • Local History Collection: Copies of the majority of historic books ever published on Newport.
    • Additional Resources: There's even more information tucked away in the 'stacks' so if you're looking for something specific, ask a librarian for assistance.

🗣️ Oral History & Community

History is not just written; it is remembered.

  • Newport Cornucopia Monthly Socials: Our monthly social event where you get to learn valuable information from Newport residents. These gatherings are often useful for filling in the historical gaps that official records miss.