Curiosities
Along with its buildings, Newark Contains some fantastic curiosities.
Please also refer to the interactive map for location and more.
UPDATE IN PROGRESS
Civil War Statue
Beastmarket Hill
The Civil War statue in Newark-on-Trent is a prominent monument located in the town's Market Place. It commemorates the town's significant role during the English Civil War, particularly its three sieges between 1643 and 1646. The statue depicts a Royalist soldier, symbolizing the town's steadfast loyalty to King Charles I. Erected in 1988, the statue serves as a reminder of Newark's turbulent past and its strategic importance during one of England's most tumultuous periods (originally sites in the Library gardens but moved to current location in 2019
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The Town Pump
Market Place
The Newark Town Pump, located in the Market Place of Newark-on-Trent, is a historic landmark that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally installed to provide a reliable source of clean water for the town's residents1. The pump is a cast-iron structure, featuring ornate detailing typical of the period's craftsmanship. Over the years, it has become a symbol of the town's heritage and community spirit. Although no longer in use, the town pump remains a cherished part of Newark's historical landscape, reflecting the town's development and the importance of public utilities in urban life
Beaumond Cross
library Gardens
Beaumond Cross in Newark-on-Trent is a historic monument with a rich history dating back to the medieval period. The cross is believed to have been erected in the late 13th or early 14th century, during the reign of Edward III1. It is a fine example of Edwardian English Gothic architecture, featuring intricate carvings and a richly ornamented design.
The cross has survived various historical events, including the sieges of Newark during the English Civil War1. Over the centuries, it has undergone several restorations, with notable repairs in 1778, 1801, and 1903. Despite weathering and the passage of time, the Beaumond Cross remains a well-preserved and significant landmark in Newark, reflecting the town's medieval heritage and architectural history
originally sited at crossroads of beaumond cross
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Queen Sconce Statue
Sconce Park
The Civil War statue on Queen's Sconce in Newark-on-Trent is a notable monument commemorating the town's significant role during the English Civil War. The statue, a latticework cannon, was installed to honor the Royalist forces who defended Newark during the sieges from 1643 to 1646. The Queen's Sconce itself is a well-preserved earthwork fortification, named after Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I. The statue and the sconce are part of Sconce and Devon Park, which also features a cast metal map showing the distribution of defensive works around the town during the war1. This site serves as an educational and historical landmark, attracting visitors interested in Newark's Civil War heritage.
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Ironmonger Row & The Church Chimney
Ironmonger Row
Ironmonger Row in Newark-on-Trent is a historic street that reflects the town's rich commercial heritage. The name "Ironmonger Row" suggests that it was once home to numerous ironmongers and related trades, which were essential to the local economy1. The street is lined with buildings that date back to various periods, showcasing a mix of architectural styles. Over the years, Ironmonger Row has evolved, but it remains a vibrant part of Newark's town center, with shops and businesses continuing to serve the community
Church Chimney
The church chimney near St. Mary Magdalene Church in Newark-on-Trent is a notable historical feature. Built in 1854, the brick chimney served the church's heating boiler. This practical addition was essential for maintaining a comfortable environment within the church, especially during the colder months. The chimney is preserved by the Newark Local History Society, reflecting its significance as part of the church's infrastructure and the broader historical landscape of Newark
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Lord Byrons Poems
outside Porters
The plaque commemorating Lord Byron's poems in Newark-on-Trent is located on the outside of G.H. Porters, at the corner of Market Place and Ridge Street. It marks the spot where S. and J. Ridge, a local printing firm, published Byron's first volumes of poetry, "Fugitive Pieces" in November 1806 and "Hours of Idleness" in July 1807. This plaque highlights Newark's connection to the famous Romantic poet and celebrates the town's literary heritage.
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Cannonball Hole
The cannonball hole in the spire of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Newark-on-Trent is a poignant reminder of the town's turbulent history during the English Civil War. The church tower served as a lookout point for the Royalist garrison during the sieges of Newark. In 1644, a Parliamentarian cannonball struck the spire, leaving a visible hole that remains to this day. This historical scar is part of the Civil War Trail in Newark, highlighting the town's strategic importance and the fierce battles that took place there1.
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Chain Lane
Chain Lane in Newark-on-Trent is a historic street that reflects the town's rich architectural and commercial heritage. The lane is home to several Grade II listed buildings, including numbers 7 and 10, which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These buildings showcase traditional brick construction and period architectural details, contributing to the historical character of the area. Chain Lane has long been a part of Newark's bustling town center, with its buildings serving various commercial and residential purposes over the years. Today, it remains a vibrant part of the town, blending historical charm with modern amenities.
Cuckstool Wharf
Cuckstool Wharf in Newark-on-Trent is a historic site located along Castle Gate. The wharf dates back to the Stuart period and was used extensively during the Victorian era1. It served as a key point for loading and unloading goods transported via the River Trent, contributing significantly to Newark's commercial activity. Although the wharf is now disused and fragmentary, it remains an important part of the town's industrial heritage1. The site is documented in various historical records and continues to be of interest to historians and archaeologists studying Newark's economic history.
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Smeatons Arches
Riverside Car Park
Smeaton's Arches in Newark-on-Trent are a series of historic flood arches designed by John Smeaton, often referred to as the "father of civil engineering." Constructed between 1768 and 1770, these arches were built to carry the Great North Road across the floodplain of the River Trent1. Originally consisting of 125 arches, 74 remain today2. The brick structure, which is over 1.6 kilometers long, was designed to ensure the road remained passable during floods1. The arches are a Grade II listed structure, reflecting their historical and architectural significance1. They continue to be an important part of Newark's infrastructure and heritage.
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Romanesque arch
.If the Gilstrap Centre is open
go in and look at the elaborately carved Romanesque Arch . Thought to have been the entrance a chapel within the Castle, it was erected here by the Friends of Newark Castle in 2009.
Reputed to have been either unearthed in the Castle Grounds and recovered from the river, it lay in the Castle undercroft for some 50 years.
The Fountain Garden
London Road
Fountain Gardens in Newark-on-Trent is a charming public park that dates back to the Victorian era. The gardens were designed to provide a tranquil green space for the town's residents and visitors1. Featuring a central fountain, the park is known for its well-maintained flower beds, pathways, and seating areas. Over the years, Fountain Gardens has remained a popular spot for relaxation and community events, reflecting Newark's commitment to preserving its historical and recreational spaces1.
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Longstone Bridge
Off Millgate
Longstone Bridge in Newark-on-Trent is a historic structure built in 1819 for the Newark Navigation Company1. This Grade II listed bridge carries the towpath over a side channel of the River Trent1. Constructed from ashlar stone, it features seven segmental arches with keystones and solid coping walls with splayed ends1. The bridge played a crucial role in facilitating river navigation and trade during the 19th century, contributing to Newark's economic development. Today, it stands as a testament to the town's industrial heritage and engineering history1.
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Odinist Temple
Bede House Lane
The Newark Odinist Temple, consecrated on Midsummer's Day in 2014, is the first heathen temple in England in over a thousand years1. Located in a Grade II listed building dating from the Tudor period, the temple was originally an almshouse chapel known as the Bedehouse Chapel1. After falling into disuse, the building was acquired and restored by the Odinist Fellowship, a registered religious charity1. The temple now serves as a place of worship for Odinists, featuring specially commissioned paintings and historic architecture1. It aims to revive and perpetuate England's native and national faith, offering open days and welcoming visitors to learn about Odinism1.
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Coach and Horses Passage
Castlegate
Coach and Horses Passage in Newark-on-Trent is a historic alleyway that runs from Castle Gate to Middle Gate. It is named after the Coach and Horses Inn, which once stood nearby1. The passage is known for its unique low, sloping, grooved projection, installed in 1846 following complaints about the "state of the public passage"1. This feature was designed to deter men from relieving themselves against the passage wall by deflecting urine towards their feet1. Today, Coach and Horses Passage is a charming reminder of Newark's past, reflecting the town's efforts to maintain cleanliness and order in public spaces.
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Sibthorpe Dovecote
located a short distance from Newark:
Dating to 1370, this surprising solitary structure looks more like a disused windmill or a Rapunzel-esque fairytale prison cell than a birdhouse.
With its substantial 3-foot-thick walls, this 30-foot-tall feathery fortress is all that remains of a medieval collegiate religious complex in Sibthorpe, Nottinghamshire.
The outlandishly gargantuan dovecote, which housed over 1,200 pigeons in tiny nesting niches perched 24 stories high, was built by monks in response to a famine of 1360. It was intended to provide an unlimited supply of meat, eggs and a rather smelly fertilizer to safeguard against future starvation.
Beside the tower, strange undulations reveal another of their attempts to provide a cheap and readily available source of protein, as several long-drained mediaeval fishponds are still discernible.
Having stood tall for more than six centuries and outlasted all of the mediaeval monks other architectural efforts, Sibthorpe Dovecote is now a fully protected grade I listed building and is owned by Nottinghamshire County Council.
you can also get the #91 bus from Newark to Sibthorpe to visit
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Otter Park
Off Millgate
Otter Park in Newark-on-Trent is a small but charming public park located on Millgate. The park features a central sculpture of two bronze otters poised on a large piece of limestone rock, created and donated by artist Judith Bluck around 2009-20101. This sculpture is a focal point of the park, which offers a peaceful green space for residents and visitors. Otter Park is part of Newark's Riverside Walk, providing scenic views and a pleasant environment for leisurely strolls1.
Duke of Wellington Yard
Duke of Wellington Yard in Newark-on-Trent is a historic area named after the Duke of Wellington, a famous British soldier and statesman1. The yard was formerly the site of the Duke of Wellington Inn, which operated as a public house from 1819 to 1935. The building, now a shop, dates back to the late 16th century and has undergone several alterations and restorations over the years. The yard and its surrounding structures reflect Newark's rich architectural heritage and its evolution from a bustling market town to a modern urban center.
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Jubilee Arch
Library Park
Jubilee Arch commissioned by the town council to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.
Millenium Monument
Riverside Park
The Millennium Monument in Newark-on-Trent is a striking sculpture located in the town's Market Place. Unveiled in 2000 to mark the turn of the millennium, the monument features a contemporary design with a central column/spike surrounded by smaller plaques, each representing a different aspect of Newark's rich history. The monument serves as a focal point for community events and celebrations, symbolizing the town's enduring heritage and its aspirations for the future.
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Newark Roundel
Outside St Marys Church
The Newark Roundel is a distinctive circular plaque located outside of the main door of St Marys church in the town center.. It was installed to commemorate the town's rich history and its strategic importance during the English Civil War1. The roundel features intricate designs and inscriptions that highlight key events and figures associated with Newark's past. It serves as a focal point for visitors and residents, providing a visual reminder of the town's heritage and its role in shaping English history1.
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Newark Oriel Windows
Of which there are a surprising amount
There are only 4 wooden ones though
I've not added any to the map but here's the link just in case you're interested in other historical, cultural and architectural sites of Newark
www.newarkmap.co.uk
The oriel window finds its roots in medieval architecture, particularly during the Gothic period. Early examples can be traced back to the 15th century, where they were commonly used in churches and castles.
an oriel window is a form of bay window which protrudes from the main wall of a building but does not reach to the ground.Supported by corbels, brackets, or similar cantilevers, an oriel window is most commonly found projecting from an upper floor but is also sometimes used on the ground floor.
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The Bronze Map of Newark
Castle Grounds
The bronze map of Newark-on-Trent is a detailed, tactile representation of the town's historical layout, located in the Market Place. Installed as part of the town's heritage trail, the map provides an accessible way for visitors to explore Newark's rich history and key landmarks1. The map highlights significant sites such as Newark Castle, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, and the Market Square, offering a visual and interactive experience that brings the town's past to life1. It serves as both an educational tool and a tribute to Newark's enduring heritage.
Newark Coat of Arms
The arms were officially granted on December 8, 1561. The motto was granted in 1912.
The wavy bars, crest, and supporters (an otter and a beaver) refer to Newark's riverside position. The fleur-de-lis and lion are royal emblems. Local opinion takes the bird (peacock) as the symbol of pride.
The granting of a crest was one of the first grants made to a civic body, the first being that made to the borough of Ipswich on 29 August 1561. Several variations of the crest have been quoted. The original grant describes the bird as a morfex holding an eel.
It raises the interesting question of what type of bird a morfex is. It is not a latin term, nor a name for an heraldic creature; it does not feature in contemporary word-lists or vocabulary, and appears in no other grants of arms. The nearest possible equivalent is the ‘morfer’, included in the Oxford English Dictionary as a dialectal and obsolete word, possibly a corruption of ‘morfran’, the Welsh name for a cormorant.
Another possibility for the bird is the Moorcock (better known as the Grouse), a small bird not dissimilar to that depicted in the patent, and one which has often featured as a crest. But the bird probably was never resident in or near Newark. A more likely intention could be the moorhen, a waterfowl found to this day on the Trent, which may have been what was originally intended.
The question of the identity of the bird featured on the crest has unsurprisingly been the subject of much debate and some error over the years. Armorists, in compiling reference works have occasionally used the Newark arms to illustrate the definition of ‘morfex’, usually reproducing the bird as seen on the patent. On other occasions the bird has merely been changed to a more recognisable type, such as the heraldic catch-all of the martlet. Whatever the type of bird thought to be on the crest, up until around 1900 it was invariably depicted as a seated, short-legged and short-necked creature.
In 1915 the bird was described as a cormorant, without further explanation why. Since that time the bird in question has either appeared as a golden cormorant or as a heron (or egret) in its proper colours; at any rate, it then became a long-legged and long-necked species instead of the more short-necked, short-billed species as on the original image.
The motto ( 'DEO FRETUS ERUMPE' - Trust God, and sally forth) is a translation of the valiant words of the Mayor, to Lord Bellasyse, during the siege of Newark by the Parliamentarians in 1646.
Newark Cemetary
London Road
The formation of the Newark cemetery grounds, buildings and entrance lodge was commenced in 1856.
On Thursday 30th October 1856, the Church of England portion of the new Cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of Lincoln. “Soon after the ceremony took place, the first interment was made of Charles John, son of Mr W.N. Nicholson, Ironmonger, Market Place. The ground is situated on London Road. A broad walk in the centre of the ground divides that part of it which is to be used by the Dissenters and that used by the Church. At the further end of the ground, a small piece is reserved for the use of the Roman Catholics. The chapels are built in the Gothic style and were designed by Messrs. Bellamy & Hardy of Lincoln and erected in the centre of the ground by Mr Whitworth of Newark and united by an arch and over it stands a rich and elegant spire, of considerable height. The lodge at the entrance is built of brick and stone and is of neat construction. The gates at the entrance also present an ornamental and rich appearance. It is intended to lay out the ground with a number of choice shrubs”.
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Commonwealth War Graves
Newark Cemetery, located on London Road, is home to a significant number of Commonwealth war graves, reflecting the area's historical military importance.
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First World War: The cemetery contains 49 scattered burials from the First World War[1].
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Second World War: A special plot was set aside for RAF burials during the Second World War. This plot includes 90 Commonwealth burials and 397 Polish burials[1][2].
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Polish Memorial: A memorial cross to the Polish airmen was erected in 1941 and unveiled by President Raczkiewicz and General Sikorski. Both men were later buried at the foot of the memorial, although General Sikorski's remains were returned to Poland in 1993[1][2].
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The cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women during both World Wars. It's a place of reflection and remembrance for the local community and visitors alike.
If you have any specific questions or need more details, feel free to ask!
References
[1] Newark-Upon-Trent Cemetery | Cemetery Details - CWGC
[2] Newark-upon-Trent Cemetery | Explore Great Britain - CWGC
Full detail and picturea can be found here
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Wilson Street Houses
Wilson Street
The terrace of Grade II listed Georgian houses on Wilson Street were built by Dr. Bernard Wilson (Vicar of Newark 1719 to 1772) in 1766, originally both sides of the street, the eastern terrace was largely demolished, though the end pavilion houses survive.
Wilson was a colourful and controversial character as an anonymous (though popularly thought to be by Thomas Heron) handwritten manuscript ‘Anecdotes of Dr.Bernard Wilson’ 1791 recounts ......
“A complete history of this extraordinary man, related at large,would fill many volumes. His violences, robberies, rapes, seductions, meditated assassinations with their overt attempts, forgeries, perjuries, subornations of perjury, thefts, frauds, extortions, persecutions, oppressions and multiplied crimes... commenced in early youth and accompanied him through life...”
Wilson was born in Newark in 1689, educated at Magnus Grammar School, Westminster School and Trinity College Cambridge. Whilst at Westminster School, he met his patron Thomas Pelham Holles, who later succeeded his father as Duke of Newcastle who held the Manor of Newark.
In 1719 Newcastle made Wilson Vicar of St. Mary Magdalene in Newark and Rector of Winthorpe, a living in the gift of the Corporation of Newark, with the expectation that Wilson would protect, support and further all of Newcastle’s interests in Newark. However, in 1736, Wilson unexpectedly inherited the very large estate of Sir George Markham, a former MP for Newark and became a very wealthy man. The relationship between Wilson and Newcastle soured over the next twenty years until Newcastle died in 1768 and Wilson in 1772, aged 83.
Also. Wilson House on BaldertonGate (the previous registry office) was build for WIlson c.1760
there is a fantastic piece on Wilson in Newark Civic Trusts Feb 2013 magazine (Page 8 onwards)
http://www.newarkcivictrust.org.uk/.../newarkcivictrust...
Newark Town Bowls Club
The former clubhouse is richly ornamented regency gothic pediment and has an elegant balcony theres a fascinating inscription under the balcony of the original pavilion that reads, “Let no man be biased.” There are several theories for the inscription from what is believed to be a call to fair play for all who have set foot on the green to perhaps referring to the method used to originally accept new members. The club is the oldest bowling club not just in Newark but also in Nottinghamshire and it can trace its origins back more than 200 years to 1809.
Newark's first Telephone exchange
portland Street
Newarks's first telephone exchange – built by the National Telephone Company – was opened on Portland Street in 1895. It was some years earlier, however, in 1887, that the first attempt to introduce the telephone to Newark was made First Connections
Again, it was the National Telephone Company who made the attempt. In December 1887 they announced that they were about to open an exchange in Lincon which would be connected to Newark on the line from Nottingham.
Alderman Hercules Clays House (site of)
Market Place
The site of Hercules Clay’s House – the Mayor of Newark in the Civil War. Clay had several premonitions of his house being destroyed and as a result, moved his family to a safer
location. His house was in fact destroyed after he moved his family out – a lucky escape for the Mayor
Ossington Chambers
Beastmarket Hill
Ossington Chambers.
the terrace of four large houses with
steep-pitched roofs opposite. Built in the
C17 style, the houses are now offices and
were formerly known as Castle Terrace.
The Arcade
Town Centre
Built in 1897, the
brainchild of the brothers George and
Frederick Atter, it became a fashionable
shopping place. Note the curved
window at the Market Place end. This
was once part of Stanley Noble’s small
bakery shop known as Pie Corner
The Old Mount School
Mount Lane
The tower carries the date 1877, but the schoolroom itself dates from 1826 (architect W M Fowler), and the cross wing to the left of the tower from 1838. Listed Grade II. Redevelopment of the school site has opened up this view of the buildings, although to judge by the foundations in the foreground, regrettably not for much longer. The buildings have been refurbished as part of the redevelopment. (picture is drawing by Peter Brannan
.webp)
The White House
MillGate
Thomas Earp MP 1830-1910 Malster, Mayor and Benefactor lived here
Bernard Martin, Chartered Architect, wrote of the house: The main part of the building probably dates from the mid-18th century, but who first occupied this substantial mansion on the banks of the Trent remains a mystery. It is mentioned in the 1772 Trent Navigation Act and in the early 19th century the house was offered for sale or rent. It was a dwelling ideal for a family with social aspirations. It brought with it a walled garden stretching down to the river and stocked with fruit trees, as well as two acres of pasture land, and area which included the present Millgate Field. Whether the elaborate Georgian-style internal fittings date from this period, or were part of a later restoration, is unknown. The house was considered ideal for a 'private gentleman', or a someone engaged in a 'mercantile trade'. Indeed, the subsequent owner of the house was a trader, a man called John Clarke, farmer, coal merchant and wharfinger, occupied the house in the first half of the 19th century. His wife, Mary Ann Clarke, was still living in the house as a widow in 1861, described as 'landed proprietor'. The next occupier was Thomas Earp, a maltster and partner in the Trent Brewery, established on Millgate in about 1850 (the Cooper's Yard housing development now stands on the site). Earp was politically successful , had a strong interest in politics and was an alderman, mayor and Liberal MP for Newark. He was also Chairman of the Governors of Magnus School, and gave his name to Earp Avenue, on which the present school stands. The next owner was Enos Smith, who lived there from c 1920 until the Second World War. He kept an impressive household, a steamboat and even a vineyard in France, with which he stocked his wine cellars. He used to open his garden to the local boy scouts for their jamboree, and his wife raised funds for the needy of the neighbourhood. After the war the house was occupied by several families as a result of the shortage of money to support large households. In 1950 SPD Food Distribution Ltd occupied the house, and later, in 1961, British Waterways and Trent Hire Cruisers were based there. In 1998, the building was still owned by British Waterways. (Information taken from 'The White House, Millgate, Newark: Brief History, by Bernard Martin)
The Old Railway Line
The Newark to Bottesford railway was open to passenger traffic between 1878 and 1955, with Cotham station opening in 1879. The line offered a route to Nottingham and Leicester and at one time trains ran directly to Northampton. The local gypsum industry helped to keep the line open for freight traffic and the occasional diverted passenger train until the 1980s and indeed the Royal Train passed through in April 1984.
The route is now open to cyclists and pedestrians, and offers picturesque views and a peaceful scenic ride between Newark and Cotham.
The Lake near Barnbygate was dug for gravel in the 20th century (18ft deep in places)
Train Crash Urban Legend
There is myth that a train once crashed into the lake in the late 1800's, this is incorect as the lake was not there then. The crash actually happened on the main line, further up:
A disaster on the British rail network (Midland Railway) occurred on 21 June 1870 when two trains collided at Newark in Nottinghamshire, England, killing 18 passengers and injuring 40 others. The investigation found that an axle had broken on the goods train, and the excursion train collided with the debris on the track.