Historic Sites
Newark Contains a number of important historic sites.
The below contains a brief detail, with relevant links
For History on Newark Marketplace, click HERE
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Ad Pontem
Ad Pontem was established as a Roman fort and settlement along the Fosse Way, a major Roman road that connected Exeter to Lincoln. The name "Ad Pontem" refers to its location near a bridge over the River Trent, which was a crucial crossing point1.
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Architectural Features
The site included a small military encampment, or fortlet, which was identified through aerial photographs and excavations. The fortlet featured a rampart and double-ditch defensive system, enclosing an area of about 1¼ acres. The settlement also had a polygonal defended enclosure, covering approximately 5¼ acres, with the Fosse Way running through it1.
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Historical Significance
Ad Pontem served as a key military and logistical hub during the Roman occupation of Britain. It was strategically located between the Roman towns of Margidunum (near Bingham) and Crococalana (near Brough), making it an important stop along the Fosse Way1. The settlement was occupied from the late 1st century AD until at least the 4th century.
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Modern Era
Today, the site of Ad Pontem is recognized as a Scheduled Monument, reflecting its historical importance. Although much of the original structure is no longer visible, the area remains a point of archaeological interest. Artifacts from the site are held in various museums, including those in Nottingham, Newark, Doncaster, Lincoln, and Leicester.
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http://www.nottshistory.org.uk/articles/nottsmagazine/romanroads2.htm
Stoke Field (battle of)
go HERE for more
Pdf leaflet/walk HERE
The Battle of Stoke Field, fought on June 16, 1487, near East Stoke in Nottinghamshire, is considered the last significant battle of the Wars of the Roses. Here's a detailed look at its history
The Wars of the Roses were caused by the protracted struggle for power between the dynasties of the House of Lancaster (red rose) and the competing House of York (white rose).
The battle was the last major conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster and was a battle to gain control of the crown. The Battle of Bosworth Field, two years previously, had established King Henry VII on the throne, ending the last period of Yorkist rule and initiating that of the Tudors.
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Background
The battle was a decisive engagement between the forces of Henry VII, the first Tudor king, and the Yorkist supporters of Lambert Simnel, a pretender to the throne. Despite Henry VII's victory at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, which ended Richard III's reign and established the Tudor dynasty, Yorkist opposition persisted.
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​The Battle of Stoke Field was an attempt to unseat King Henry VII in favour of a 10 year old boy called Lambert Simnel who was an imposter pretending to be Edward, Earl of Warwick, the son of Edward IV’s brother, the Duke of Clarence. Simnel was used as a pawn by leading Yorkists to try and re-establish their hold on the crown
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Key Figures
Henry VII: The reigning king, leading the Lancastrian forces.
John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln: A leading Yorkist claimant who supported Lambert Simnel.
Lambert Simnel: A young boy presented as Edward, Earl of Warwick, a Yorkist heir.
The Battle
The Yorkist forces, numbering around 8,000, included German and Swiss mercenaries provided by Margaret of Burgundy. They took up a defensive position on Rampire Hill
Henry VII's army, led by the Earl of Oxford, was slightly larger, with about 15,000 men.
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The hill they formed up on is known as Burrand Furlong and a stone put there by Newark Archaeological and Local History Society (NALHS) in 1987 marks the spot where Henry VII supposedly planted his standard after the battle. We believe Henry VII's army to have been around 15,000, with John de Vere, Earl of Oxford leading the vanguard of around 6,000 who approached along the Upper Fossse, which crossed what is now Syerston Airfield and continues along Humber Lane and down into the village. The main battle, led by Henry VII, probably consisted of around 6,000 with the rearguard, led by Lord Strange. It might be worth mentioning the Irish Kerns, who were poorly armed and armoured. One account speaks about them being shot through with arrows 'like hedgehogs' and it was probably there annihilation by the archers that led to the rout. Other key persons involved were Martin Schwartz, leader of the mercenary Landsknechts and Thomas Fitzgerald, leader of the Irish, both of whom were killed. ​
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Outcome
The battle ended in a decisive victory for Henry VII. The Yorkist forces were routed, with many killed in the fighting or pursued and cut down as they fled. Key Yorkist leaders, including the Earl of Lincoln, were killed, effectively ending organized Yorkist resistance.
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The Battlefield witnessed the death of up to 7,000 soldiers and the river is said to have ran red with their blood
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The Red Gutter is said to be the area where the massacre took place, although it is unclear whether this natural escarpment is so called due the blood split there during the battle or whether it derives its name from red clay deposits.​​
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Historical Significance
The Battle of Stoke Field is often considered the last battle of the Wars of the Roses. It solidified Henry VII's hold on the throne and marked the end of major Yorkist attempts to reclaim it1. The victory also helped to secure the Tudor dynasty's future, allowing Henry VII to focus on consolidating his rule and stabilizing the kingdom
See here for much more
Paleolithic site
Early History
The site dates back to the Paleolithic era, which is the earliest period of human history, spanning from approximately 2.5 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE. This era is characterized by the use of stone tools and the development of early human societies.
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Archaeological Discoveries
Excavations at the Newark Paleolithic site have uncovered a variety of artifacts, including stone tools and animal bones1. These findings suggest that early humans used the area for hunting and gathering. The tools discovered are typically made from flint and include hand axes, scrapers, and other implements used for processing animal hides and meat
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Historical Significance
The site provides valuable information about the lifestyle and survival strategies of early humans in the region. The presence of stone tools indicates that the area was inhabited by hunter-gatherer groups who relied on the natural resources available to them1. The discoveries at the site contribute to our understanding of human evolution and the development of early technologies.
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Modern Era
Today, the Newark Paleolithic site is recognized for its archaeological importance. It continues to be a subject of study for researchers interested in the early history of human activity in the British Isles1 The artifacts found at the site are often displayed in museums, providing the public with a glimpse into the distant past.
The Norton Disney Dodecahedron
The Norton Disney Dodecahedron is a fascinating archaeological find that has garnered significant interest. Here's a detailed look at its history:
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Discovery
The Norton Disney Dodecahedron was discovered during a summer excavation in June 2023 by the Norton Disney History and Archaeology Group1. This rare artifact is a "Gallo-Roman Dodecahedron," one of only 33 known examples found in Britain and the first discovered in the Midlands.
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Description
The dodecahedron is a 12-sided object made of a copper alloy, consisting of 75% copper, 7% tin, and 18% lead1. It is well-cast, complete, and in excellent condition, showcasing fine craftsmanship1. The object was found in situ, alongside 4th-century Roman pottery in an excavated hole or quarry pit.
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Historical Significance
The purpose of Roman dodecahedra remains a mystery, as there are no known descriptions of them in Roman literature. They are not standardized in size, which rules out their use as measuring devices, and they show no signs of wear, suggesting they were not tools. The most plausible theory is that they were used for ritual or religious purposes. The discovery of the dodecahedron near a site where a mounted horseman deity was found in 1989 supports this theory.
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Modern Era
The Norton Disney Dodecahedron is currently on display at the National Civil War Centre in Newark Museum. It has also been featured on the BBC's "Digging for Britain," highlighting its significance and the ongoing interest in its origins and purpose.
https://nortondisneyhag.org/?page_id=2406
Queen Sconce
Queen's Sconce in Newark-on-Trent is a significant historical fortification with a rich past. Here's a detailed look at its history
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Early History
Queen's Sconce was constructed in 1644 during the First English Civil War to protect the Royalist garrison based at Newark Castle. The fortification was named after Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I. Newark was a key strategic location due to its position at the crossing of the River Trent and the intersection of the Great North Road and Fosse Way.
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Architectural Features
The sconce is an earthwork fortification, designed in a star shape when viewed from above1. It measures approximately 120 meters by 133 meters, with a height of up to 9 meters. The structure includes angle bastions projecting from the south, southwest, north, and northeast, which were likely platforms for artillery. The ramparts and bastions are enclosed by a ditch up to 21 meters wide and 4.5 meters deep.
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Historical Significance
Queen's Sconce played a crucial role during the sieges of Newark. The town was besieged three times by Parliamentary forces before it finally surrendered in May 16461. The fortification was part of a network of defenses that helped the Royalists maintain control over Newark for much of the war1. The sconce is one of the few surviving examples of Civil War earthworks in the country
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Modern Era
Today, Queen's Sconce is part of Sconce and Devon Park, Newark's largest open space. The park includes a visitor center, nature reserve, and various recreational facilities. The sconce itself is a listed ancient monument, recognized for its historical and architectura significance. Visitors can explore the fortification and learn about its role in the Civil War through interpretive displays and guided tours.
Crococalana Roman town (site of)
Crococalana was a significant Roman settlement located near the modern village of Brough, close to Collingham in Nottinghamshire. Here's a detailed look at its history
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Early History
Crococalana was established as a Roman town along the Fosse Way, a major Roman road that connected Exeter to Lincoln. The settlement's name is recorded in the Antonine Itinerary, a Roman route map from the late second century. Crococalana was strategically positioned between the Roman towns of Margidunum (near Bingham) and Lindum (Lincoln), making it an important stop along this vital route1.
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Archaeological Features
The site of Crococalana was identified through aerial photography, which revealed a rectangular defended area measuring about 700 feet by 500 feet, enclosed by ditches1. Within this area, crop marks indicate the presence of pits, floors, ditches, and walls, suggesting a well-developed settlement. A separate small enclosure outside the main area appears to have been associated with a rectangular building, possibly an imperial posting station or mansio1.
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Historical Significance
Crococalana was more than just a military outpost; it was a thriving settlement with a variety of buildings and infrastructure2. Excavations have uncovered coins, pottery, glass vessels, iron tools, and objects made of bronze, stone, bone, and horn2. These finds indicate that the town was inhabited from the 1st century AD to at least the 4th century2. The presence of painted wall plaster and other artifacts suggests that some buildings were quite elaborate.
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Modern Era
Today, the site of Crococalana is recognized as an important archaeological location, although no buildings or earthworks are visible on the surface2. The area is primarily agricultural land, but it continues to be a subject of interest for archaeologists and historians. Artifacts from the site are held in various museums, providing valuable insights into Roman life in the region.
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https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1003479
Newark Torc
The Newark Torc is a remarkable Iron Age gold alloy torc discovered in February 2005 on the outskirts of Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, England. It was found by a local metal detectorist named Maurice Richardson[1][2].
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Here are some key details about the Newark Torc:
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Material: Made from electrum, an alloy of gold, silver, and copper[1].
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Weight and Size: Weighs approximately 700 grams (1.5 pounds) and has a diameter of 20 centimeters[1].
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Design: Crafted from rolled gold alloy wires, plaited into eight thin ropes, and twisted together. The terminals are ring-shaped with floral and point-work designs[1][2].
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Age: Dated between 250 and 50 BC, with its burial estimated around 75 BC[2].
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Significance: Considered one of the most significant finds of Iron Age Celtic gold jewelry in the last 50 years[1].
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The torc is currently housed at the National Civil War Centre in Newark[1].
References