Image ID: 04835

Newark Castle across a flooded River Trent

Courtesy of Antoine

River Trent, next to Beastmarket Hill
Newark on Trent
England

Showing the ruins of what was once a remarkable castle. The site has revealed saxon remains, and there is evidence of Norman habitation, but the castle remains seen here were built c 1133 by Alexander 'The Magnificent', Bishop of Lincoln, with gatehouse, freestanding chapel (now gone) and long and high river front (265 ft long, 170 ft high), containing a watergate. A later bishop, perhaps Henry De Burghersh (1320-40) rebuilt the curtain walls in different shaded oolite and sandstone and added traceried arched windows, and yet another bishop, Thomas Rotherham (1471-80), added the Oriel windows to light the new hall and upper storey that he had put in. Henry VIII took over the castle during the Reformation, but it was allowed to deteriorate. In 1581, it was leased to the Earl of Rutland who modernised what was left as a residence, adding fireplaces and window glass (luxury!). It then passed to his son, Lord Burghley, who made it so comfortable that in 1603, the new King, James I, stayed there. It's association with royalty from hereon ultimately led to its down fall. During the Civil War, 1642-46, Newark held out for the Royalist cause and the Castle became a Royalist garrison and stronghold, until told to surrender by King Charles I, who was staying at nearby Southwell. After this the townsfolk were ordered to demolish all siegeworks, including the castle. Stone and timber was taken for building use elsewhere and squatters moved into parts of what was left. Despite all this, it still remained a Crown possession, and in 1845-8 it became the first monument to be restored at government expense. Also shown on the photograph is the Ossington Coffee House. This was designed by a most expensive London Architect; Ernest George and Peto, and given in 1882 by Viscountess Ossington (sister to Welbeck Abbey's Earl of Portland) as a coffee promoting temperance hotel. Unfortunately, the noble ambitions of the Viscountess were never that successful, and the building has seen a variety of uses, from Fish and chip shop to offices. See NCCE000619. To the right of the castle is Cookstool Wharf.

Date: 1932

Organisation Reference: NCCE000652

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