Newport was granted a Market Charter c1136 by Henry I. Much of the medieval town can still be seen behind the Victorian and Edwardian frontages. The History Society was founded in 1982 to research, record and preserve the historical heritage of the town and the surrounding area. The society meets monthly in the Baptist Church in Water Lane and visitors are always welcome. The group has an active programme of field walking and recording topography, takes a lively role on Heritage Days and are able to lead guided walks on request. All original documents have been sent to Shropshire Archives but we have a small archive room. One current project involves creating a website of photographic records.