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The town was originally called South Wallerick. After the Danish invasion in AD875 the town was renamed Neubegang or Newbegining, with several different spellings until we have the present Newbiggin. In the 14th century, Newbiggin was a very important maritime centre, called upon to support Edward III in his campaigns against the Scots. At one time Newbiggin was a major port for the shipping of grain. It is said that it was third only in importance after London and Hull.
As early as 1828, Newbiggin was a popular beach resort, with facilities to cater for visitors. There were five good public houses, one of which had bathing facilities, several shops, and lodging houses.
Until 2004 Newbiggin was host to an annual street fair that attracted thousands of people every year, a huge fair that expanded over many years. In its final years the fair was set out in the following format: starting at the beginning of the shopping area of Front Street, up to the Cresswell Arms public house flowing into Church Point car park and continuing along the seafront promenade. The lifeboat house and boat yard became the music venue. A stage replaced the boats and the lifeboat house opened its doors, serving food and afternoon tea. Over the years many celebrities entertained the crowds. Some of the more famous appearances were made by Slade, Leo Sayer and TV show Gladiators star Michael Van Wijk along with many others.
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