Former Factories and Warehouses
Newark contains many former factories, highlighting the towns importance in industry.
The below contains a brief detail on each, More detail and history to follow.
Trent Navigation Wharf
The Trent Navigation Company was established by an Act of Parliament in 1783 to improve and maintain navigation on the River Trent. The company was responsible for constructing towpaths and other infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods along the river. Newark, with its strategic location, became a key point for these activities.
The Trent Navigation Wharf in Newark included warehouses and other facilities designed to support the loading and unloading of goods. These structures were built to accommodate the needs of river transport, with robust construction to withstand the demands of industrial use.
The wharf played a crucial role in Newark's economy, serving as a hub for the transportation of goods such as coal, grain, and other commodities. The improvements made by the Trent Navigation Company helped to boost trade and commerce in the region. The wharf was part of a broader network of waterways that connected Newark to other major industrial centers.
Today, the legacy of Trent Navigation Wharf is remembered as part of Newark's rich industrial heritage. While the original structures may no longer be in use, the site remains a point of historical interest, reflecting the town's past as a bustling center of river-based trade.
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Castle Brewery was established in 1885 by the brewers Caparne & Hankey. The brewery was designed by the renowned architect William Bradford, known for his work on brewery buildings. The brewery's location in Newark was strategic, taking advantage of the town's transportation links and industrial infrastructure.
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The brewery complex is a Grade II listed site, reflecting its architectural and historical significance. The buildings were constructed in a French Renaissance style, characterized by ornate detailing and robust brickwork2. Notable features include the brewery tower, which remains a prominent landmark in Newark
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Castle Brewery played a significant role in Newark's brewing industry. It produced a variety of beers and ales, contributing to the town's reputation for high-quality brewing1. The brewery operated successfully for nearly a century, becoming an integral part of the local economy and community.
The brewery ceased operations in 1982. Since then, the site has been redeveloped into a mixed-use complex, including residential and commercial spaces1. The redevelopment has preserved many of the original architectural features, maintaining the historical character of the site while adapting it for modern use.
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Former Gypsum Grinding Mill
The gypsum grinding mill was established to process gypsum, a mineral used in various industries, including construction and agriculture. Newark's location near significant gypsum deposits made it an ideal site for such a facility.
The mill was designed to accommodate the grinding and processing of gypsum. It featured robust industrial architecture typical of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with large storage areas and machinery for grinding the mineral into a fine powder. The building's design was functional, focusing on efficiency and durability.
Gypsum processing was an important industry in Newark, contributing to the local economy and providing employment for many residents. The mill played a crucial role in supplying gypsum for various uses, including plaster and fertilizer production. Its operation was integral to the town's industrial landscape.
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Warwick Brewery was founded by Samuel Sketchley at the Tower Wharf Brewery in 17661. In 1856, Richard Warwick acquired the brewery, marking the beginning of its significant expansion1. The Northgate Brewery, where Warwick Brewery was located, was built in 1871.
The brewery complex included several notable buildings, such as the Northgate Brewery Office Range and Brewhouse, which are listed on the Historic England website. The architecture of these buildings reflects the industrial style of the late 19th century, with robust brickwork and functional design elements suited to brewing operations.
Warwick Brewery played a crucial role in Newark's brewing industry. In 1888, the brewery merged with Richardson, Earp & Slater's Trent Brewery to form Warwicks and Richardson’s Ltd. This merger allowed the company to expand its operations and increase its market presence. The brewery produced a variety of beers and ales, which were distributed widely.
In 1962, Warwick Brewery was acquired by John Smith's Tadcaster Brewery Co. Ltd., and brewing operations ceased in 19661. Despite the closure, many of the original buildings remain standing and have been repurposed for residential and commercial use1. The brewery's legacy continues to be remembered as an integral part of Newark's industrial heritage.
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Thorpes Warehouse
Thorpe's Warehouse, located on Millgate, was built in 1872 as a riverside barley store and malt house1. Its strategic location along the River Trent facilitated the transportation of goods, making it an important part of Newark's industrial landscape.
The warehouse is a Grade II listed building, reflecting its architectural and historical significance1. The structure features traditional 19th-century industrial design elements, including robust brickwork and large storage spaces. The east-facing elevation of the building is particularly notable for its historical character.
In 1932, the premises were acquired by Newark Egg Packers Ltd., and the building was converted from a malt house to a warehouse1. This transition marked a new phase in its use, adapting to the changing industrial needs of the area. Later, in the 1980s or early 1990s, the building was rented out to Weston Mill Pottery.
The warehouse lay vacant between 2007 and 2010 until planning permission was granted in 2011 for its restoration and conversion into high-quality commercial suites and residential apartments. The project was completed around 2013 or 2014, with the original hand-painted inscription "Thorpe's Warehouse" restored1. Today, it comprises 12 luxury apartments, blending modern living with historical charm.
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Strays Windmill
Stray's Windmill was first recorded on maps in 1825. It was one of several windmills in the Newark area, reflecting the town's agricultural heritage. Windmills were essential for grinding grain into flour, a crucial process for local food production.
The windmill was a traditional tower mill, a common design in the 19th century. Tower mills are characterized by their tall, cylindrical structures made of brick or stone, with a rotating cap that allows the sails to turn into the wind1. Stray's Windmill would have featured these typical elements, although specific architectural details are less documented.
Located between Newark and Farndon
Nicholsons Factory
Nicholson's factories in Newark-on-Trent, particularly the Trent Ironworks, have a storied history that reflects the town's industrial heritage.
Nicholson's Iron Foundry was established by Benjamin Nicholson, who was born in South Carlton near Lincoln in 1785. By 1809, he had moved to Newark and started trading as a partner in Nicholson, Bemrose & Co., retail ironmongers. In 1820, he entered the wholesale iron business, and by 1825, he had opened a foundry for manufacturing cast-iron domestic goods.
The Trent Ironworks, located along the River Trent, was ideally situated for industrial operations. The site included a wharf beside the river and sidings onto the Midland Railway's Nottingham to Lincoln line, facilitating the efficient receipt of raw materials and dispatch of finished products1. The foundry's distinctive clock-tower, which housed the drawing offices, managers' offices, and clerks' department, remains a prominent landmark in Newark.
Town Wharf, Newark
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Coopers Dressing Gown Factory
Cooper's Dressing Gown Factory was established in 1894 on Victoria Street. The factory was known for producing a wide range of garments, but it became particularly famous for its quilted dressing gowns1. The business originally started with the production of workmen's shirts in the early 19th century by the owner of Freeman's Drapery Warehouse1. As demand grew, the factory expanded its product line to include women's wear such as tea gowns and underclothes, styled to the latest French designs.
The factory was purpose-built to accommodate the growing business. It featured modern facilities for the time and was designed to maximize production efficiency. The building's architecture reflected the industrial style of the late 19th century, with functional design elements suited to garment manufacturing.
Victoria Street, Newark
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Mills Warehouse
Mills Warehouse in Newark-on-Trent is a historic building located along the River Trent. Originally a 19th-century industrial mill, it has recently been the focus of redevelopment efforts to transform it into residential apartments.
The warehouse played a significant role in Newark's industrial past, contributing to the town's economic growth during the 19th century. Its location by the river was strategic for transporting goods
Mills Drive, Newark
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Town Wharf Brewery
The Town Wharf Brewery, originally known as Handley and Sketchley's Town Wharf Brewery, was established around 1766. Samuel Sketchley, who learned his craft in Burton-on-Trent, partnered with William Handley, a local banker. This partnership marked the beginning of large-scale commercial brewing in Newark.
The brewery was strategically located near the River Trent, which was crucial for transporting goods. The site included warehouses and wharves, allowing for efficient distribution of ale
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.The building's design was influenced by its function as a transport interchange, facilitating the movement of goods by both land and water
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The Wharf, Newark
The former Warwick Maltings in Newark-on-Trent, also known as the Warwick and Richardson’s Brewery malt house, is a significant historical building with a rich past.
The malt house was constructed in 1864 by Warwick and Richardson’s Brewery1. The building was made using bricks from the Cafferata company at Beacon Hill and ironwork supplied by the Trent Ironworks of W.N. Nicholson & Sons1. This construction reflects the industrial growth and architectural style of the period.
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The malt house is a three-storey building with a basement, built of red brick with yellow brick dressings1. It features gabled and hipped slate roofs, which are characteristic of the industrial architecture of the 19th century1. The building's design includes a date stone on the northeast gable inscribed with "P W Archt. 1864"