Newport was a ‘revived’ borough in the sense that it had once, in 1295, sent representatives to Parliament in conjunction with Yarmouth. At the time of its enfranchisement in 1584 ‘at the special instance and procurement’ of Sir George Carey, captain of the island, Newport is said to have promised Carey the nomination to one seat for his lifetime. In the event only two Newport MPs in this period were local men, Hardy and James, and these were no doubt acceptable to Carey. All the others were nominated by him. By 1597 the borough was sending him blank returns. Election was made by the bailiff and burgesses. The bailiff was elected annually, taking his oath of office before the captain of the island at Carisbrooke castle. Newport was incorporated 1608.

VCH Hants, v. 253-9; T. Carew, Rights of Election, ii. 1608. 13.