Newark upon Trent
There has been a town at Newark since at least the 10th Century; it grew in size due to its strategic position being at the crossroads of the Fosse Way, the Great North Road and the River Trent. After 1073AD a Saxon fortified manor was replaced by a motte and bailey castle, and over the next few hundred years, it had a riverside curtain wall constructed. Later fireplaces were added and its windows were enlarged making it more elegant and comfortable and less of a defensive fortification. The castle is one of Newark's most prominent landmarks and even though it is a ruin - it is a wonderful sight.
In 1216 the infamous wicked King John died in the Castle. He was popularly known as the villain who persecuted Robin Hood; but the year before his death he signed the Magna Carta which was the start of our modern system of democracy.
The Castle Gardens were opened in 1887 in celebration of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee and they are open every day from dawn until dusk.
You can book guided tours of the Castle's towers and dungeons from www.palacenewarktickets.com
A lottery grant helped the gardens to be refurbished and a bandstand to be installed, which is used for brass band concerts, plays and historical re-enactments in the summertime.
For more information about the castle and any future events see www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/newarkcastle
Newark has so much history surrounding it, and it now has its own Civil War Centre. If you want to see more of the modern museum see https://lynnejmorley.blogspot.com/2016/09/2016-september.html or http://www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/
You can even follow walking trails around the town (and download an App) and get involved in many special historical events that take place throughout the year.
Another of Newark's special features, is the River Trent. Not only does the Castle proudly sit upon its banks, but there is a marina and delightful walks along the riverbank in each direction.
Just across the road from the Castle are some fabulous Tudor styled buildings....
Next to these is The Wharf, where you will find one of Newark's most iconic eateries -
The Castle Barge Restaurant, a moored boat with a delightful outlook across the river.
You can walk for miles along the river, heading away from the town; or if you go back towards the Castle, the other side of the Bridge is known as Riverside Park. This is an ideal place to park when visiting the town, and it also is where many activities are held - such as fairs and concerts. This is one of my favourite stretches of the river, especially with the view of the Castle on the opposite bank. Not far downriver, you soon arrive at Newark Town Lock.
Newark was an inland port and important working waterway until the mid 20th century - and you can still see many old warehouses along the water's edge. The River is still used for moving freight today, although many of the boats are now for pleasure and tourism.
There are a few great tea rooms along here.
You can take a River Trip in an afternoon (1pm and 3pm), they last for 90 minutes and dogs are welcom on the boats.
About 10-15 minutes walk out of town, you will come to the Sconce and Devon Park, a delightful open grassy area bordering along the River Devon. A 14th century legend tells of a romantic duel and bloodshed - followed by the appearance of a mystery spring known at St Catherine's Well.
Along the river area you will find a Woodland section, carpeted in flowers in the springtime; and Devon Pastures which has a dry grassy area as well as a damp marsh section - both part of the Local Nature Reserve.
The highlight of the park (for Historians) is the Queen's Sconce - the mound that you see below. During the First Civil War, locals built this garrison as a defence for the Royalists - against the Parliamentarians. It has been given the status of being a Scheduled Ancient Monument, as it is one of the few remaining earthworks of the 17th century, and the best surviving example of military engineering of that time.
The Park has been used for various types of gatherings and sporting events for 100's of years now and still carries on the tradition. It is popular for all ages, and there is always something happening. Even if you just go there for a walk, look out for unusual items such as the canon and information plaques, as well as the cafe and children's play area.
Back in the town centre, where there is so much more to see - and not just shopping (but there is plenty of that to be had too!)
St Mary Magdalene Church, is the third church built on this site. The Saxon church that originally stood here was in the manor of the Earl of Mercia and his wife Lady Godiva, but nothing of that one can be seen today.
There has been a market at Newark since the 12th Century, when it was granted a charter by King Henry 1st. Today it is the focal point of the town, a bustling area, with different types of markets held throughout the week.
Around the marketplace are numerous buildings, many in keeping with the character of the town - make sure that you look up above the shops to see the rest of the building.
There are some fabulous street names too!
The Corn Exchange Building built in 1848 was used as a corn market, as well as for lectures, exhibitions and musical entertainments, eventually closing in 1978.
I hope that I have given you an insight into what a delightful town Newark is - it is well worth a visit. There really is so much to see, and such an atmosphere to soak up.
Lynne
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