Newark Castle, Nottinghamshire

Newark Castle and Bridge circa 1812.

Newark Castle in 2008

Newark Castle, in Newark, in the English county of Nottinghamshire was built by Alexander, consecrated Bishop of Lincoln in 1123, who established it as a mint. His rebuild here was probably the model for that at Sleaford Castle, also built by Alexander.

It rises picturesquely from the river, and from its position and great strength was for a long time known as the 'Key of the North'. Of the original Norman stronghold the most important remains are the gate-house, a crypt and the lofty rectangular tower at the south-west angle. The building seems to have been reconstructed in the early part of the 13th century. King John of England died at this castle on the night of 18 October 1216. In the reign of Edward III it was used as a state prison.

During the English Civil War it was garrisoned for Charles I, and endured three sieges. Its dismantling was begun in 1646, immediately after the surrender of the king.

Newark Castle, inside the walls

Gilstrap Heritage Centre

The Gilstrap Heritage Centre is located on the castle grounds. The centre features exhibits about the castle, and the town's history during the English Civil Wars. Admission is free

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. 

Bibliography

• Fryde, E. B., D. E. Greenway, S. Porter and I. Roy (eds) (1996) Handbook of British Chronology, third edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 052156350X.
• Pettifer, Adrian (1995). English Castles: A Guide by Counties. Woodbridge, UK: Boydell. ISBN 0-85115-782-3. 
• Warren, W. Lewis. (1991) King John. London: Methuen. ISBN 0413455203.

External links

• Newark Castle Gardens
• Gilstrap Heritage Centre
• YouTube video about the Gilstrap Heritage Centre and castle ruins