In Tudor times the seat was under the influence of the Duchy of Lancaster and around the start of the 18th century it was a pocket borough of the Morgan family of Tredegar, who were influential in the Newport area; but soon afterwards the Dukes of Beaufort (a Scudamore family branch) gained control. After the Duke's candidate had won the election of 1715 decisively, this patronage was so clear contests ceased until 1820 – their candidates (many of them members of the family) were returned unopposed.
In Tudor times, the seat was under the influence of the Duchy of Lancaster and by the early 18th century, it became a pocket borough of the influential Morgan family of Tredegar in the Newport area; however, soon after, the Dukes of Beaufort (a branch of the Scudamore family) took control. Following the Duke's candidate winning the election of 1715 with great ease, this patronage led to a lack of contests until 1820 – their candidates (many of whom were members of the family) were returned unopposed.