Newark is a market town, which is sited where the Great North Road crosses the River Trent but it is in fact on the River Devon.
The church of St. Mary Magdalene is a gem, very large and one of the grandest parish churches in England. It is 222ft long and the spire is 252ft high. The oldest parts are the crypt, believed to be 12th century, and the tower built in 1227. One of the largest monumental brasses in England can be seen inside. It is in memory of Alan Fleming who died in 1363.
The best building in the town is the White Hart Inn in the Market Square. It is a late 15th century timber-framed building that is highly decorated, perhaps the best of its age in the country. Newark also has one of the finest Georgian Town Halls in Britain.
Newark Castle was built between 1133 and 1148 is very large and dominates the rivers. The remains are substantial, mainly high curtain walling with towers and a magnificent gatehouse, all of which are set in a public park.
It was here that King John died in 1216 and it was a royalist stronghold during the Civil War but surrendered after King Charles was taken and the Parliamentarians destroyed it.
Next Stop: Upton Hall
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