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Moot Hall
17-18 Market Pl,Newark NG24 1EA

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Moot Hall: A Detailed History

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Early Beginnings

Moot Hall, located in the Market Place of Newark-on-Trent, has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The original municipal building on this site was known as the "King's Hall," named after a transaction in 1547 when the Bishop of Lincoln exchanged ownership of the town with the Crown

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Construction and Design

  • 1708 Construction: In the early 18th century, civic leaders decided to erect a new building on the same site. Designed in the neoclassical style, Moot Hall was built in red brick and completed in 1708

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  • Architectural Features: The design features a symmetrical main frontage of seven bays facing the Market Place. A colonnade on the ground floor, formed by six Doric order columns, supports the upper floors, allowing markets to be held on the ground floor. The building is fenestrated by sash windows on the first and second floors, with three dormer windows at attic level. The coat of arms of John Holles, Duke of Newcastle, is affixed to the building at the second-floor level

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Civic Role

Moot Hall served as the main municipal building in Newark during the 18th century. It was the meeting place for borough officials and the venue for hearings of the manorial court and quarter sessions until Newark Town Hall was completed in 1776

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Commercial Use

  • Late 18th Century: The building, still known as the "King's Hall," was described as an extensive brick-built dwelling-house and large shop, occupied by Messrs. Fisher and Fillingham

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  • 19th Century: In 1836, Henry Pelham-Clinton, 4th Duke of Newcastle, purchased the building, which continued to be used as shops

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  • 20th Century: In 1924, it was acquired by a radio and music shop, A. F. Coyne. After Coynes went into liquidation in 1963, it was bought by the electrical retailer Currys. By this time, the building was at risk of collapse and was completely dismantled and rebuilt around a modern steel frame in the mid-1960s

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Modern Day

Today, Moot Hall accommodates a Starbucks coffee shop, blending its historical significance with modern commercial use

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.The building remains a cherished landmark in Newark, reflecting the town's rich architectural heritage and evolving commercial landscape.

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