It was established under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1894 from part of the existing Newport Rural Sanitary District.
It comprised the parishes of Bedwas, Bettws, Coedkernew, Duffryn, Graig, Henllys, Machen Lower, Machen Upper, Malpas, Marshfield, Michaelstone-y-Fedw, Peterstone Wentloog, Rogerstone, Rumney, St Brides Wentloog, St Mellons and St Woolos in the administrative county of Monmouthshire.
The Glamorgan parishes were annexed to Llandaff and Dinas Powis Rural District in 1895.
The Rural District Council comprised a number of councillors and a chairman and initially replaced the local sanitary authorities.
Its responsibilities included sanitary services, sewerage, refuse collection, maintaining local roads, cemeteries and parks, licensing of public entertainments, water supply and housing.