CHILDREN in period costume from the 1800s marked the 170th anniversary of Newport’s Chartist revolt by retracing the rebels' steps through the city centre yesterday.

Around 150 children from Malpas Court Primary, Maindee Primary, St Woolos Primary and sixth form students from Monmouth School marched from Stow Hill to the West Gate Hotel, just at the Chartists did in 1839.

More history lovers gathered in Newport at the weekend to listen to guest speakers and special musical performances at the city’s annual Chartist convention, with a historical guided tour of the city’s riverbank to describe how it would have been during Chartist times, and performances of Chartist songs by Cor Cochion Caerdydd.

Following the children’s march through the city yesterday, a memorial service was held in St Woolos cemetery to remember the 22 men who died during the uprising at the Westgate Hotel.