Newport & Carisbrooke Heritage Blue Plaque

We are working towards establishing a ‘Heritage Blue Plaque’ scheme where buildings of significant historical importance are recognised & celebrated. The first buildings being considered are:

• The Old Grammar School on the corner of St. James’ Street & Lugley Street. One of Newport’s oldest surviving buildings built in 1614. Historically renowned as the location where King Charles I attended in 1648 during the negotiations of the Treaty of Newport.
• 95 High Street. The home of Henry Sewell the first premier of New Zealand in 1856.
• The Guildhall which was designed by John NASH & completed in 1816.

As of July 2026, the plaques have been designed & final wording is being confirmed. The next stage will be to have them produced locally at AJ Wells & Sons in Bishops Way, Newport. Planning permission is being sort from the IW Council & authorisation from the buildings owners to have the plaques mounted.