| History Of Newark-on-Trent |
| Whilst many know Newark as the shortened form, the correct name for the Nottinghamshire market town is Newark-on-Trent. Standing next to the River Trent, Great North Road (A1) and East Coast Main Line railway, it is ideally situated, which has allowed it to become the prosperous market town that many know today. |
| The town of Newark is often marvelled for its impressive history and picturesque qualities; often described as 'The Key of the North'. Equally, its strategic position remains an important attribute of the town that still possesses much of the magic it did hundreds of years ago. |
| Newark is said to have arisen back in the Roman times, but its true establishment is pinpointed at the erection of Newark Castle by Alexander the Magnificent during the 12th Century. Newark Castle then changed hands after it was seized by the Barons under Gilbert de Gaunt. |
| This little market town soon became the local centre for wool and cloth, with the first major market being established around the time of Henry II. The Bishop of Lincoln soon received a series of charters that allowed Wednesday and Saturday markets to be established from 1156 – 1329. With its growing popularity, Newark had a population of 1,178 in 1377, making it one of the biggest towns in England. |
| At the time of the Civil War, Newark played a big part in the Great Rebellion, as the town was a royalist town, which meant it was fantastically defended. Therefore, it was never reduced by Parliament with the town fielding 600 soldiers many times. It wasn't until 1646 when Charles I ordered the town to surrender that all of their defences were completely destroyed, leaving the castle and other historic parts of Newark in much the same condition it is in today. |
| However, Newark did recover after the Civil War as its strategic position allowed it to continue to prosper. On the other hand, the Industrial Revolution did pass the town by somewhat, with its neighbouring towns prospering far more. That said, the town did expand from 7,000 people in 1800 to over 15,000 by 1900. The industries that dominated this area were sugar refineries, breweries and agriculture and many historic buildings were also built during the Victorian era, e.g. Christ Church (1837), Castle Railway Station (1846), Gilstrap Free Library (1883). |
| Newark North Gate station was also built in 1852, allowing Newark to becoming a central station on the north-south route of the Great Northern Railway; an asset that Newark still prospers from. Newark has become a viable commuter town for those who work in London with the 1 hour 20 minute train journey offering a practical alternative for those who do not wish to reside in London itself. |
| Present Day Newark |
| The main industries that dominate Newark today, and have done for the last 100 years, are sugar refining, pumps, agricultural machinery, pine furniture, bearings and clothing. With events such as the Newark International Antiques Fair being held regularly, it has been placed on the map for being a fantastic shopping and antique centre that is steeped in history. |
| With its many boutique shops, high-street stores, café's, restaurants and its wonderfully, relaxed, historic atmosphere, Newark is a fantastic place to spend the day, whether you are looking for a new shopping experience or a place to enjoy wonderful historic scenery and traditional shop-lined streets. |
