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Newark, or Newark-on-Trent to give it the official title, retains the atmosphere of a small market town but has all the facilities of a much larger metropolis. Famed for its connections with Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest, it is not surprising to find within Newark a Maid Marion Avenue, Marion’s Manor and Forest Lodge. The pride of Newark however is Newark Castle, although only a fifth of the original fortress built by Alexander the Magnificent still remains, of which the Norman 3-storey gatehouse with its Romanesque archway is probably the most impressive surviving feature.It is said that King John died at Newark Castle in 1216, but it was the Civil War of 1642-46 which put Newark Castle on the map, when this Royalist stronghold withstood three desperate sieges. Newark has an imposing Parish Church dedicated to Mary Magdalene, and dating from the 12th century. It is believed to be the largest Parish Church in Nottinghamshire, with a massive spire reaching 240 feet toward the heavens. Newark obtained a market charter in 1227, and almost 800 years later it is still possible to see colourful stalls selling anything from fruit and flowers to crafts and crockery on the cobbled market place in the centre of Newark on every day other than Tuesday or Sunday. The market place, which is reputed to be one of the largest in the country, is surrounded by a wonderful array of Georgian and Victorian buildings, containing some of Newark’s independent stores. There are many family run businesses and traditional shops to be found in the centre of Newark as well as the usual high street outlets.
The Arcade, St Marks Place, The Buttermarket, Victoria Street, Cartergate, Kirksgate, Castlegate and Baldertongate are just a few of Newark’s town centre road names, reminding us that Newark’s history dates back centuries. Over the centuries Newark has grown and prospered, with the population now nearing 26,000. House prices within Newark start around £70,000 for a small apartment or flat, with the average house price currently in the region of £250,000. Two rivers run through the centre of Newark, the Trent and the smaller River Devon, but it is the Trent which is by far the most important and impressive. There are lovely riverside walks to follow and boat trips in summer months. Derelict land on the far side of the river has been redeveloped in recent years to offer the award winning Newark Riverside Park offering a comprehensive play area as well as the revolutionary sensory park for the visually impaired and persons hard of hearing.
Newark Riverside Park is the venue for the Live and Local Music Festival which is held in the summer, whilst an Annual Food Fair is held on the Market Place. Newark could be described as a cultural capital with two museums, an art gallery, the Newark Air Museum at nearby Winthorpe as well as the vast Newark & Nottinghamshire Showground. Here you will find not only the annual Newark Country Show which is held in May, but all through the year there are dog shows, riding events, antiques fairs, autojumbles, caravan and mobile home exhibitions and collectors fairs. Set in 80 acres, the Newark Showground provides excellent facilities for all types of corporate and commercial promotions.
The Palace Theatre in Newark hosts a variety of acts and entertainment including comedy, drama and musical productions, with the Newark Jazz Festival being held here in mid May. The nightlife in Newark is diverse with a variety of public houses from quaint timber framed inns to modern bars and even a floating barge pub. There are also several night clubs to choose from as well as a Superbowl centre. Eating out in Newark offers a cosmopolitan choice of cuisine, with numerous tearooms, cafes, restaurants and wine bars. Tourists and visitors to Newark are well catered for and welcomed with accommodation ranging from hotels and guest houses to bed and breakfast establishments, holiday cottages and caravan or camp sites.
Newark lies at the junction of two ancient highways, being the Roman Fosse Way and The Great North Road which once ran from London to Edinburgh, and have now been adopted as the A46 and the A1, making Newark easily accessible by road. This has helped Newark to achieve a thriving economy, with several engineering and fabrication businesses as well as manufacturing outlets producing food, furniture and clothing, generating trade and providing valuable employment to the town.The river Trent was at one time a major trade route right into the heart of the town, but it is the East coast railway line which is going to be the most dynamic form of transport for the future, as it is hoped that travelling from Newark to Europe will soon be possible by Eurostar in a direct link via the channel tunnel.
Residents of Newark are justly proud of their town, its history and culture, and it was former inhabitants of Newark who set off centuries ago as pilgrims to North America and named Newark, New Jersey in honour of their home town.
