The People Of Newark
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Below is a brief detail of the historic figures that have influenced the town,
Please click here for more on the community profile project, highlighting various people, groups and communities in Newark on Trent, past and present who make the town what it is today.
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For a more detailed look at each, simply click on the name
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Historical Figures
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Lady Godiva and Leofric, Earl of Mercia (11th Century)
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In the 11th century, Newark was owned by Lady Godiva and her husband, Leofric, Earl of Mercia. Lady Godiva is famously known for her legendary ride through Coventry, but her connection to Newark highlights the town's significance during the Anglo-Saxon period
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King John (24 December 1166 – 19 October 1216)
One of the most notable historical figures associated with Newark is King John, who died at Newark Castle in 1216. His death marked a significant event in English history, and the castle remains a key historical site in the town
King Henry VII (1457 – 21 April 1509)
King Henry VII had a significant impact on Newark-on-Trent, particularly through his involvement in the Battle of Stoke Field, which was the last major engagement of the Wars of the Roses
Alexander of Lincoln (died 1148)
Alexander's impact on Newark is particularly significant due to his role in the construction of Newark Castle
.In 1135, King Henry I granted Alexander permission to build a castle in Newark, along with castles in Banbury and Sleaford
.Newark Castle became one of the best surviving examples of his architectural endeavors
The castle played a crucial role in the region's defense and administration, and its remnants are a testament to Alexander's influence
King Charles I ((19 November 1600 – 30 January 1649)
King Charles I had a significant impact on Newark-on-Trent during the English Civil War. Newark was a key Royalist stronghold, strategically located where the Great North Road and the Fosse Way cross the River Trent. This made it a vital communication and supply hub for the Royalist forces.
​Prince Rupert of the Rhine, a nephew of King Charles I, played a crucial role in the defense of Newark during the Civil War
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Sir Robert Heron, 2nd Baronet (27 November 1765 – 29 May 1854))
Sir Robert Heron was a prominent politician and landowner in the 19th century. He played a significant role in the political landscape of Newark and contributed to the town's development during his time
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William Farnworth Handley (1780 - 1851
A successful businessman and philanthropist, William Farnworth Handley was a notable figure in Newark during the 19th century. His contributions to the local community left a lasting impact
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an esteemed English journalist, historian, and author
Born on March 5, 1852, in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire, Brown became a significant figure in the historical documentation of Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding area
an English poet known for his sonnet sequence "Diana" and his contributions to English literature
Born in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, he was the only child of Sir Robert Constable and Christiana Dabridgecourt
.Constable's life was marked by his literary achievements and his religious convictions, which led to significant personal and political challenges.
an English-born American novelist and memoirist
Born on July 10, 1761, in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, she was the daughter of John Marshall
.Gales is notable for being one of the first novelists in North Carolina and for her contributions to literature and social reform.
The Darwin Family
The Darwin family of Elston is renowned for its significant contributions to science, literature, and society. The family's association with Elston began in the late 17th century and has left a lasting legacy in the region
The Molyneux Family
The Molyneux family is an ancient Norman family with a rich history and significant influence in England, particularly in Lancashire and Nottinghamshire
The family name is derived from the Old French "de Molines" or "de Moulins," meaning "mill," and the family originally came from Normand
The Staunton family of Staunton-in-the-Vale, near Newark, is one of the oldest families in the UK, with a rich history dating back to the Norman Conquest and possibly earlier
King Wulfhere of Mercia (Died 675 AD)​
In a document from 664 AD, Newark is mentioned as having been granted to the Abbey of Peterborough by King Wulfher
Henry VIII (18 June 1491 – 28 January 1547)
Granted Newark a charter in 1549, which allowed the town to hold markets and fairs, boosting its economic significanc
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Artistic Contributors
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William Nicholson (1872 - 1949)
Born in Newark in 1872, William Nicholson was a renowned painter and printmaker. His works are celebrated for their distinctive style and have earned him a place among the notable artists of his time. Nicholson's influence extended beyond his own creations, as he also mentored and inspired other artists.
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Robert Kiddey was a prominent sculptor and artist from Newark. His works, which include public sculptures and private commissions, are celebrated for their craftsmanship and artistic vision. Kiddey's legacy lives on through his contributions to the local art scene and his influence on future generations of artists.
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A British artist renowned for his fine landscapes
.Born in Newark, Nottinghamshire, he was the nephew of William Cubley, an influential artist and teacher
Henry's artistic career was marked by his detailed and romanticized depictions of Welsh and Scottish mountain landscapes, often featuring highland cattle​
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William Cubley, a former Mayor of Newark in 1866, was also an exceptional artist. His works are part of Newark's fine art collection and are displayed at the Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery. Cubley's contributions to both the civic and artistic life of Newark are well-remembered.
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Peter Brannan, another notable artist from Newark, is known for his oil paintings of seaside scenes. His works are part of the town's art collection and continue to be appreciated for their vibrant and evocative style
Peter Brannan, another notable artist from Newark, is known for his oil paintings of seaside scenes. His works are part of the town's art collection and continue to be appreciated for their vibrant and evocative style
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Armed Forces​
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Major Gonville Bromhead (1845 - 1891_
Major Gonville Bromhead VC (1845-1891) was a British Army officer and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valor in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to members of the British armed forces
He is best known for his role in the defense of Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War.
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John Cartwright (1740-1824) was an influential English naval officer and political reformer, often referred to as the "Father of Reform"
.He was educated at Newark-on-Trent grammar school and Heath Academy in Yorkshire
Sam Derry (1914 - 1996)
Sam Derry was born in 1914 in Newark and started his career in the family plumbing business before joining the Royal Regiment of Artillery at age 22.
During World War II, he served in France and the Middle East, earning the Military Cross for his bravery. He was captured by German forces but managed to escape multiple times.
Derry played a significant role in helping over 4,000 Jews and Allied prisoners of war escape from Italy. He operated out of the Vatican, disguised as an Irish clerk, and worked closely with Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty.
For his efforts, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and had an audience with Pope Pius XII. He later authored a book, "The Rome Escape Line," which inspired the film "The Scarlet and The Black".
Post-War Life: After the war, Derry continued to serve his community in Newark and remained a humble and respected figure
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Science and technology
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John Arderne (1307–1392) – notable surgeon, lived in Newark in early life.
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Basil Baily (1869–1942) – architect
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Francis Clater (1756–1823) – farrier and veterinary writer
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Godfrey Hounsfield (1919–2004) – electrical engineer, Nobel Laureate in medicine, inventor of the CT scanner
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Rupert Sheldrake (born 1942) – biochemist and parapsychology researcher born in Newark
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Giovanni Francisco Vigani (c. 1650–1712) – chemist from Verona, who first settled in Newark in 1682
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Frederick Smeeton Williams (1829–1886) – writer on railway
Stage and Screen
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Arthur Leslie (1899–1970) – actor and playwright, born in Newark
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Norman Pace (born 1953) – actor and comedian
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Terence Longdon (1922–2011) – screen actor
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Donald Wolfit (1902–1968) – Shakespearean actor
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Toby Kebbell (born 1982) – actor educated at the Grove School
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Nathan Foad (born 1992) – actor and writer
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Sports
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David Avanesyan (born 15 August 1988) – professional boxer
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Steve Baines (born 1954) – League footballer and referee
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Craig Dudley (born 1979) – professional association footballer
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Harry Hall (born 1893 – death date unknown) – professional association footballer
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Willie Hall (1912–1967) – Notts County, Tottenham Hotspur and England footballer
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Dusty Hare (born 1952) – rugby union international
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Phil Joslin (born 1959) – league football referee
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Mary King (born Thomson, 1961) – Olympic equestrian sportswoman
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Sam McMahon (born 1976) – professional association footballer
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Shane Nicholson (born 1970) – league footballer
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Henry Slater (1839–1905) – first-class cricketer born in Newark
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Mark Smalley (born 1965) – professional association footballer born in Newark
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William Streets (born 1772, fl. 1792–1803) – cricketer
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Chad Sugden (born 27 April 1994) – professional boxer born in Newark
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Politics and government
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Richard Alexander (1934–2008) – Conservative politician
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Ted Bishop (1920–1984) – Labour politician, created Baron Bishopston of Newark in the County of Nottinghamshire
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William Robert Bousfield (1854–1943) – Conservative politician, lawyer and psychologist born in Newark
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Sir Bryce Chudleigh Burt (1881–1943) – administrator in the British Raj born in Newark
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John Cartwright (1740–1824) – politician and preacher, attended Newark Grammar School.
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Robert Constable (1522–1591) – parliamentarian and soldier
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Robert Heron (1765–1854) – Whig politician.
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Robert Jenrick (born 1982) – Conservative politician, MP for Newark since June 2014
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Fiona Jones (1957–2007) – Labour politician, MP for Newark
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Nigel Doughty (1957–2012) – Former Assistant Treasurer of the Labour Party. Former Nottingham Forest Football Club owner, born in Newark
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Patrick Mercer (born 1956) – Conservative politician, MP for Newark 2001–2014
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Arthur Richardson (1860–1936) – Liberal/Labour politician who attended Magnus Grammar School