One of the nicest towns

Tuesday, 24 August 2010 20:09

It is not often we wax lyrical about a town!

It is so lovely to be on a narrowboat, on the River Trent and in the centre of one of the most interesting towns we have ever visited. Our couple of days in Newark convinced us that it is a very pleasant town with lots of history to keep me happy for hours! It also helps that it is part of my history, or should I say pre-history! My parents set up their first married home here back in 1937 and my brother and sister were born in Newark.

My father worked at Messrs Cooper and Co on Victoria Street; he was a Chartered Secretary. Little did I ever dream I would be here on a narrowboat!

The factory is still there but not the company, it closed in 1979. I would be fascinated to learn more details than that they made parachutes and dressing gowns.

So whilst we were there, my siblings came up and we all did some family history reminiscing and research! It was a great day and I now have photos of all the significant places. Sadly that day was wet, but the next day was glorious and we took full advantage of the sunshine to take in more of Newark.

The centre of the town is five minutes walk from the moorings opposite Newark Castle. The castle was probably originally founded by Egbert, King of the West Saxons and partially rebuilt by Alexander the Bishop of Lincoln in 1123. King John died there in 1216 and it was a prison in the reign of Edward lll.

Newark castle at night

Little remains, as it was dismantled after the Civil War after  three sieges and Charles l surrendered. It is open to the public but we did not have time to go in - something to do another time!

The town itself carries marks of Roman and Medieval history. The Grade l listed church of St Mary Magdalene originates from the 11th and 12th centuries with parts added over the next three centuries.

Inside it has lots to see, memorials, chantry chapels, wonderful stained glass windows and reminders of the town's status. I have lots of photos and will let you know when they are on our website (eventually!).

There are many reminders of the past history of the town - medieval buildings, the Civil War, Georgian buildings, the brewery trade and Art Deco buildings. There are some excellent leaflets (obtainable from the Tourist Information Centre near the Castle entrance) that guide the walker around the more notable places.

The Old White Hart pub (15th C)

The Millgate Museum and the old restored warehouses above Town lock are very interesting.

The Millgate area (from a storyboard)

BW yard and warehouses above Town Lock

A Country Food Market was on whilst we were there in the Market Square. There was entertainment on stage and at the Cookery Theatre we were spoilt for choice for our lunch! John had a bison burger and I tried an ostrich burger - not fare we would usually buy from Tesco (there are other supermarkets we patronise too!). There is a Waitrose and a Morrisons within walking distance of the river.

Market and old Town Hall, now the Buttermarket

I will leave you with a photo of Town Lock in the sunshine. There are many more photos in our photo gallery if you would like to take a detailed tour of Newark - clickety click

If you get a chance visit Newark - there is lots to see!