An uprising in Newport that saw 22 working class men shot dead is being celebrated in a new graphic novel.

In the 1839 Newport Rising, thousands of Chartists from the Gwent valleys marched on Newport in an attempt to free political prisoners as part of a national movement to win the vote for the working man.

But 22 men were shot dead by the authorities outside the Westgate Hotel. The hotel itself has been unoccupied since the early 2000s but is set to re-open its doors for the launch of a Chartist-inspired graphic novel, Newport Rising, written and illustrated by local artist Josh Cranton.

Some areas of the hotel have been severely damaged by the elements. Despite extensive repair work to the roof and structure of the building, its stunning ballroom and architecture remain at risk and in need of further restoration. Further work is required to safeguard the building for the future, which will include exploring and developing viable and sustainable uses for the hotel.

The front of the novel

The novel has been commissioned by Our Chartist Heritage where David Daniel is a project development officer.

He said: "We're absolutely thrilled to be able to host this launch event at the Westgate Hotel, at the site of the dramatic historical events that are absolutely central to the Chartists’ cause and the character of Newport today.

"The impact of the sacrifices made by the Chartists was ultimately felt all over the world and remains in the hearts and minds of Newport's citizens. We are incredibly thankful to the owner for his support and vision in forging this partnership so that we can work together, in the spirit of the Chartists, to bring about this positive change."

Inside the stunning hotel which was the centre of the rising

The launch of the Newport Rising graphic novel will see the doors of the Westgate Hotel open again for the first time in well over a decade. Members of the public are able to come to the Westgate Hotel from July 12-20, where Chartist artwork, both modern and contemporary, as well as the newly published graphic novel will be available to view and purchase.