Newark Castle, Nottinghamshire facts for kids

Newark Castle in 2013, overlooking the River Trent

Newark Castle and Bridge circa 1812, before it was restored by Anthony Salvin

Newark Castle is a historic building in Newark-on-Trent, a town in Nottinghamshire, England. It was first built in the mid-1100s by Alexander, who was the Bishop of Lincoln. At first, it was made of wood, but later in the same century, it was rebuilt using strong stone.

During the 1600s, the castle was partly taken apart. This happened because of the English Civil War. Later, in the 1800s, it was repaired and brought back to life. An architect named Anthony Salvin worked on it in the 1840s. Then, the town of Newark bought the castle in 1889 and did even more restoration work.

History of Newark Castle

How the Castle Began

Around the year 1135, King Henry I gave permission for a castle to be built. He allowed Bishop Alexander to create a strong defense. The king's official paper said that the Bishop could build a ditch and a wall near his fishpond in Newark. He could also move the main road, called the Fosseway, through the town if he wanted.

Bishop Alexander also set up a place to make coins, called a mint, at the castle. The first castle was likely made from wood. But by the end of the 1100s, it was rebuilt with stone.

King John's Last Days

A famous event happened at Newark Castle in 1216. King John died here on October 18th. People say he became sick after eating too many peaches. He passed away from a stomach illness called dysentery.

Damage and Repair

In 1648, during the English Civil War, the castle was "slighted." This means parts of it were deliberately destroyed so enemies couldn't use it. After this, the castle was left in ruins for many years.

From 1845 to 1848, the architect Anthony Salvin worked to restore the castle. He helped bring parts of it back to life. Then, in 1889, the town of Newark bought the castle. They continued the restoration work, making it safer and more beautiful.

Protecting the Castle Today

Newark Castle is now a very important historical site. It is called a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means it's a "nationally important" building and archaeological site that is protected from big changes. It is also a Grade I listed building. This means it's considered an internationally important structure.

Today, you can visit the castle grounds for free. There are tours led by the Castle Ranger. The Gilstrap Heritage Centre, which used to be on the castle grounds and taught about the castle and the town's history during the English Civil Wars, is now the Newark Registration Office.

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  The castle seen from the west

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  The 12th-century gatehouse seen from the south

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  Inside the north west corner of the castle & location of Ranger's Office.

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  The gatehouse was slighted by detonating gunpowder. 19th-century renovation work by Anthony Salvin is denoted by brick.

See also

• Grade I listed buildings in Nottinghamshire
• Listed buildings in Newark-on-Trent
• Sconce and Devon Park