The Governors House
23-24 Stodman St, Newark NG24 1AW
From Thrones to Scones: The Governor’s House
550 Years of Power, Plots, and Pastries
Let’s talk, dear Newarker, about one of the most prominent, and frankly, most fascinating, buildings in our town.
And yes, one of my personal favourite places to grab a coffee and a slice of cake:
Lets be honest here, it’s not every day you get to sip a fantastic coffee inside a Grade I listed timber-framed townhouse that’s been standing since 1474 and has been the backdrop to so many wonderful photos, paintings, events and more (I know the steampunk crowd favour this one)
It also helps that Tanith and the team are a bloody lovely bunch of folk.
Its a building that’s seen merchants flaunt their wealth, kings plot their next move, and swords allegedly drawn in royal family spats. It’s a café with charm, character, and cakes that would make even king Charles I rub his belly with delight. (No, I’m not on commission, I just really like the place!)
Join me in a quick history:
In the late medieval period, it was originally the home of a wealthy merchant, a statement piece flaunting close-studded timber framing, three jettied storeys, and decorative billeted bressumers (that’s fancy carving on the beams for those not fluent in medieval swagger).
Inside, the first floor was a solar, a grand living space adorned with 16th-century painted decoration and vertical sliding shutters. Around 1500, a rear wing was added, creating a full-height hall still visible today via the passageway to the left.
The Governor’s House truly earned its name during the English Civil War (1642–1646). Newark was a Royalist stronghold, and this building became the headquarters for the town’s military governors during the sieges of 1643 and 1646. Its sturdy construction and strategic location made it a vital command post.
It even hosted King Charles I, who stayed here during his visits. Legend has it he used the now-famous long-drop toilet, discovered behind a wall during restoration.
Yes, you can sip your latte today in the same building where a king once… well, you get the idea. (im sure theres a spot for a “long-Drop Latte” on the menu )
One of the most dramatic episodes occurred in 1645. King Charles I arrived in Newark after the catastrophic loss of Bristol, a Royalist stronghold surrendered to Parliamentarian forces. The surrender was overseen by Prince Rupert, Charles’s nephew and one of his most trusted commanders, or at least, he had been. Charles was furious, huffing and puffing in flamboyant anger (maybe).
Bristol was considered the “key to the west,” and its fall was a devastating blow, as you can imagine, the king was royally Pis*ed off. The King summoned Rupert to Newark, and what followed was less a family reunion and more a political showdown. The meeting took place within the walls of The Governor’s House.
Accounts suggest the atmosphere was electric with tension. Charles accused Rupert of incompetence, even treachery, and demanded explanations. Rupert, proud and fiery, defended his actions, arguing that the surrender was inevitable given the circumstances. Voices were raised, tempers flared, and according to some reports, swords were drawn, a gesture that spoke volumes about the gravity of the quarrel.
Curt words were exchanged, and the rift between uncle and nephew widened dramatically, it was a turning point in Royalist fortunes. Rupert was eventually cleared of wrongdoing, but his influence waned, and the King’s inner circle fractured further.
Another fun factoid, dear history nerds, is the royal shortcut:
Whilst Newark was under siege, the Governor needed the ability for quick, clean access to the church for worship and council without trudging through the mud and muck of the Market Place. So, a diagonal route was laid, a literal royal shortcut. The path was marked with metal studs embedded in the paving, and remarkably, those studs still exist today, tracing the line of history across the square, so if I see people this weekend looking around like they’ve dropped their contact lenses, ill know why.
Imagine it, boots clattering on cobbles, soldiers saluting, and the Governor striding purposefully along this private walkway while the town bustled around him.
After the Civil War, the house saw centuries of changing fortunes. It passed through various owners, survived neglect, and was eventually rescued in 1987 by Guy St John Taylor Associates, who restored it with the care of a museum curator and the flair of a heritage-loving wizard. The timber frame was conserved, the long-drop toilet uncovered, and the building adapted for modern use without losing its soul.
Today, The Governor’s House stands as a rare survivor of pre-17th-century domestic architecture in Newark.
he Governor’s House is home to a family-run café and deli, led by Tanith Wesson and her team. It’s a warm, welcoming space where you can enjoy excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and other great food (the scotch eggs are fantastic) in rooms once occupied by kings and colonels. The newly opened attic event space is perfect for private gatherings, literary salons, or (if you’re feeling brave) reenacting 17th-century sword fights, though you might want to check the insurance policy first! (I don’t want to be the cause of any gone-awry sword based cos-play)
It’s a wonderful community hub with lots available
Chatty Café Scheme – “Chatter & Natter” sessions to bring people together.
Live Music Nights – Acoustic and folk performances, plus talented resident pianists.
Art & Artisan Markets – Showcasing local makers and hosting pop-up exhibitions.
Wellbeing Events – From gardening workshops to “Mind, Body & Spirit” sessions.
Networking & Talks – Free monthly business events and themed evenings like wine tastings and Civil War banquets
Sketch Newark – A monthly group that meets at The Governor’s House before heading out into Newark to sketch its stunning architecture. A brilliant way to celebrate creativity and the town’s heritage.
The Governor’s House really is a survivor. It’s a place where history whispers from every beam, where community thrives, and where you can feel the weight of 550 years while enjoying a damn fine scone (cream firt, thanks)
It’s living proof that heritage can be vibrant, relevant, and delicious.
https://www.governorshousecafeanddeli.co.uk/