Newark Castle

The site in Newark became a fortified castle during the 12th century when Henry I gave Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, permission build ramparts and turn his fish pond into a moat.

In 1139 King Stephen imprisoned the bishop and appropriated this and other properties belonging to him. In 1173 the castle was returned to the see of Lincoln.

Bishop Geoffrey Plantagent built the first stone fortification on the site. The castle was rectangular with large square towers at each corner.

All that remains of this fortification are the main gate, the west tower and a few other areas of masonry showing oolite stone.

In 1216 King John died at the castle and thereafter it was seized by a group of barons. In 1218 Henry III besieged the castle and after bombarding it for eight days the barons surrendered.

Restored and rebuilt in red sandstone by the end of the 13th century it had become a magnificent, fortified mansion.

In Tudor times Henry VIII took the castle from Bishop Henry Holbeach and after that it remained in royal hands.

During the Civil War the town of Newark was a Royalist stronghold and besieged four times by the Parliamentarians.

King Charles I took refuge at the castle before retreating to Oxford. After the king was captured by the Scots the town surrendered and the garrison was allowed to march out with all their possessions.

The castle was subsequently dismantled and by 1649 was described as a ruin.