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The Newport Rising occurred on November 4 1839 when several thousand (supposedly) armed coal miners marched on the town of Newport, Gwent in Wales, intent on liberating the Chartist prisoners held under armed guard in the town's Westgate Hotel. After a fiercely fought battle lasting approximately half an hour, the marchers were driven off, 20 of their number having been killed by the troops, 200 or more arrested. Three of their leaders were arrested on charges of high treason and sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered. As a consequence of public pressure, and to forestall their becoming political martyrs, the government of the day commuted their sentences to transportation for life.
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