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Newark Town Hall
MarketPlace, Newark

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Foundation and Early Years

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Newark Town Hall, located in the Market Place of Newark-on-Trent, is a prominent municipal building with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The previous civic building in the town was the Moot Hall, located on the north side of the Market Place. In the early 1770s, Newark Corporation decided to commission a more substantial municipal structure on the west side of the Market Place

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Architectural Features

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  • Neoclassical Design: The new town hall was designed by the renowned architect John Carr in the neoclassical style. The building was constructed in ashlar stone and completed in 1776. The design features a symmetrical main frontage with seven bays facing the Market Place. The central section of three bays, which slightly projects forward, includes a giant tetrastyle portico with Doric order columns supporting a pediment with the borough coat of arms in the tympanum and a statue of justice at its apex

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  • Interior Details: The main assembly room, which has also been used as a ballroom and concert hall, was designed to serve as the borough law court. The ceiling in the assembly room was installed by Moses Kilminster of Derby. The building also includes a council chamber and the mayor's parlour

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Historical Significance

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  • Civic Functions: Since its completion, Newark Town Hall has housed the Mayor and the Town Aldermen. The building has served as the offices for the mayor and the local council, hosting various civic functions and public meetings

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  • Women's Suffrage Movement: The assembly room was the venue for significant public meetings, including a gathering on women's suffrage in November 1880, addressed by Caroline Ashurst Biggs and Jessie Craigen

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  • Restoration and Awards: The town hall was restored between 1989 and 1991 by Guy St John Taylor Associates and James Brotherhood Associates. In 1993, the restoration work received a Europa Nostra Diploma of Merit

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Modern Era

  • Museum and Art Gallery: In 1999, Newark Town Council opened a museum within the building to allow daily access to its civic treasures. The museum includes displays on the first floor, an excellent Fine Art Gallery, the Spotlight Gallery, and a Civic Gallery on the second floor

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  • Civic Treasures: The town hall houses various civic treasures, including the Mayor's chain of office, the two silver gilt maces dating back to the late 17th century, and the Loving Cup given to the town in 1687. The Siege Pieces, coins used during the last years of the English Civil War, are on permanent display in the Mayor's Parlour

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Cultural Impact

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Newark Town Hall stands as a testament to the town's rich civic and architectural heritage. It continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a wide range of events and exhibitions. The building's preservation and adaptation for modern use reflect Newark's commitment to celebrating and maintaining its historical landmarks



The Town Hall is Also home to Newark town Council:

 


Newark Town Council is responsible for; Newark Town Hall, the Town Hall Art Gallery and Museum, Newark Cemetery, the Mayoralty of Newark, and Newark Royal Market.

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It also provides public toilets, allotments, some street furniture and floral displays, public events, Christmas lights, and a number of sports facilities and parks including Sherwood Avenue and Riverside Park.

The Town Council is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the local community about more local services. It is the only organisation whose sole remit is the interests of Newark and its residents. The 18 Members of the Newark Town Council, who are elected every four years, can help directly or indirectly on a number of local issues.

They are supported by roughly 40 paid members of staff and officers who work behind the scenes to maintain the council’s estate and services on a day to day basis.

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  • Advocacy for the economic development of Newark

  • The Civic Duties of the Town Mayor

  • The operation of the cemetery

  • Provision of allotments

  • The organisation of events & festivals

  • Town Twinning and Tourism arrangements (see also Newark Twinning association)

  • We are a statutory consultee on planning applications

  • Operator of a registered Museum & Art Gallery

  • Venue for conferences, events, meetings, weddings & celebrations

  • Managing the Town’s Public Conveniences

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for interest, a map of their assets can be found here https://www.newark.gov.uk/.../07/Town-Council-Assets.pdf

There is often confusion about what different authorities are responsible for, with the town council sometimes blamed for issues outside of its control.

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For example, the town council are not responsible for the maintenance of the roads, footpaths or streetlights outside of the land it owns — this is the responsibility of Nottinghamshire County Council

Likewise the town council is not responsible for; waste services, adult social care, education, setting business rates, social housing, benefits, libraries, business and economic growth, or public transport.

The town council also acts as a planning consultant, meaning they do not have the power to decide the outcome of a planning application, but can offer their objections or support to the planning authority, which is Newark and Sherwood District Council.

if you ever want to know more, reah out to them. They’re very welcoming

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