Newark On Trent History:
A Journey Through Time
By David Fargher
 

1. Palaeolithic Era (c. 14,000BC – c. 10,000 BC)

2.  Mesolithic & Neolithic. (c. 10,000BC – c. 3300 BC)

3. Bronze Age (c. 3300 BC – c. 700 BC)

4.  Iron Age (c. 800 BC – c. 43 AD)

5. Roman Period (43SD - 410AD)

6. Saxon Period (410AD - 1066AD)

7. Medieval Period (1066AD - 1485AD)

8. Tudor Period (1485AD - 1603AD)

9. Stuart Period (1603AD - 1712AD)

10. Georgian Period (1714AD - 1837AD)

11. Victorian Era (1837 - 1901)

12. The 20th Century

13. The 21st Century

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The below is a brief history of Newark.
To find out more an and see a FULL detailed history of Newark:
Visit my SHOP
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Newark-on-Trent's history stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human activity dating back 14,000 years.

1. Palaeolithic Era - The Original Flintstones

(c. 14,000BC – c. 10,000 BC)​
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Long before Newark had a name, it was a magnet for prehistoric life thanks to its rich flint deposits and strategic location by the River Trent. Around 14,000 years ago, early humans—Team Prehistoric—set up seasonal camps at Farndon Fields, drawn by the abundance of wild horses and red deer migrating through what was essentially the M25 of the Ice Age. Between 1991 and 2018, the Farndon Archaeological Research Institute unearthed a remarkable collection of flint tools—scrapers, blades, and points—suggesting that Newark served as a recurring stopover for nomadic groups over thousands of years, a kind of prehistoric Airbnb for hunter-gatherers.

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2. Mesolithic & Neolithic: From Spears to Spades. 
(c. 10,000BC – c. 3300 BC)

 

As the Ice Age thawed, Mesolithic communities arrived with microliths—tiny flint tools mounted on wood to create arrows—marking a shift from roaming hunters to semi-settled foragers. Newark’s archaeological record is sparse for this period, but the gradual transition to Neolithic life is evident in the emergence of farming, forest clearing, and the creation of early field systems. Polished stone axes and pottery shards from this era show a growing sophistication, and the reuse of a Neolithic axe as a whetstone hints at a culture that valued practicality and sustainability long before it was trendy.

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3. Bronze Age: Henge Goals
(c. 3300 BC – c. 700 BC)

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n 2016–2017, archaeologists uncovered a Bronze Age henge monument at Middlebeck, complete with a circular ditch, upright timbers, and a raised causeway—likely used for ceremonies or gatherings near a natural spring. This site also yielded urns, necklace beads, and a polished stone axe from Langdale, Cumbria, buried alongside Iron Age pottery, suggesting these items were treasured heirlooms passed down through generations. The discovery of 35 cremation burials and evidence of a thriving Iron Age farming community underscores the area’s long-standing significance and the evolution of its cultural practices.

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4.  Iron Age: Torcs, Tribes & Toolkits
(c. 800 BC – c. 43 AD)
 

During the Iron Age, Newark was part of the Corieltauvi tribe’s territory, a largely agrarian society with its capital at modern-day Leicester. Archaeological finds east of Bow Bridge Lane include roundhouses, pottery, and a Neolithic axe repurposed as a whetstone, showcasing a culture of reuse. The Newark Civil War Museum houses Iron Age artifacts like a bone weaving comb, dagger fragments, and a loom weight, but the star attraction is the Newark Torc—a stunning gold neck ornament dated between 250–50 BC, discovered in 2005 by a metal detectorist and hailed as a masterpiece of Iron Age craftsmanship.​

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5. Roman Period: Pottery, Please
(43 AD – 410 AD)
 

Although Newark didn’t earn a Roman name, its location between the Fosse Way and the River Trent made it a vital waypoint. Roman-era finds along Northgate and at Middlebeck include 73 remarkably preserved pottery kilns, revealing a major industrial hub that reshaped our understanding of Roman manufacturing in the Midlands. While nearby towns like Margidunum and Ad Pontem were officially recognized, Newark’s archaeological footprint—complete with villas, artifacts, and the standout Norton Disney dodecahedron—proves it was far from a backwater in Roman Britain.

 

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6. Saxon Period: From Burhs to Bjarn’s Gate
(410 AD - 1066 AD)

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Following the Roman withdrawal, Newark transformed into a fortified Saxon burh, with its name likely derived from “Neue Werk” or “New Work,” referencing a new defensive structure. A coin from King Edwy and over 300 urns from an Anglo-Saxon cremation cemetery at Millgate—bearing designs linked to Northern Germany and Denmark—suggest early Anglo-Saxon settlement. Viking influence is etched into street names like Kirk Gate and Barnby Gate, while Lady Godiva’s 11th-century ownership marked Newark’s transition into ecclesiastical hands, setting the stage for its medieval prominence.

 

7. Medieval Period: Castles, Kings, and Market Things
(1066 AD - 1485 AD)

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Newark’s medieval rise was anchored by the construction of Newark Castle in the 12th century by Bishop Alexander of Lincoln. Strategically located on the River Trent and the Fosse Way, the town became a military and commercial hub. King John died here in 1216, and the following year, William Marshal launched the Battle of Lincoln Fair from Newark. The town’s market, granted Wednesday trading rights by King John in 1213, became a regional staple. By the 13th century, Newark’s population exceeded 1,000, and its reputation as “The Key to the North” was firmly established.​

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8. Tudor Period: Wool, Wealth & Winking at the Crown
(1485 AD - 1603 AD)

 

The Tudor era saw Newark flourish through agriculture and the booming wool trade. Flemish weavers like Alan Fleming brought expertise that turned Newark into a textile powerhouse, with exports reaching Bruges and Ghent. Fullers, tanners, and shoemakers supported a thriving leather industry, while inns like The Old White Hart catered to travelers along the Great North Road. The 1487 Battle of Stoke Field, fought nearby, marked the end of the Wars of the Roses. Surviving Tudor buildings like the White Hart Hotel and Prince Rupert Pub still echo the town’s prosperous past.

9. Stuart Period: Stuart Shenanigans
(1603–1714)

 

The Stuart period thrust Newark into the heart of the English Civil War, where it became a Royalist stronghold due to its strategic location. Newark Castle and the town endured three sieges, with figures like King Charles I, Sir Richard Byron, and Lord Belasyse shaping its wartime story. Despite bombardments, disease, and starvation, Newark held firm until surrendering in 1646. Post-war, the town rebuilt and resumed its role as a market center. The Restoration brought stability, but the scars of war remained etched in Newark’s landscape and collective memory.

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10. Georgian Period: Grandeur, Growth & Genteel Gossip

(1714–1837)
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In the Georgian era, Newark embraced elegance and Enlightenment ideals. Brick and stone replaced timber, and landmarks like the neoclassical Town Hall and Ossington Coffee Palace became civic and social hubs. The market thrived, malting and brewing industries expanded, and local banks financed growth. Education and scientific societies flourished, reflecting a town in intellectual bloom. With its refined architecture, economic vitality, and cultural sophistication, Georgian Newark was a model of progress and prosperity

11. The Victorian Era: Industrial Revolution: Steam, Steel, and Stubborn Progress
(1837 - 1901)

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The Industrial Revolution transformed Newark with the arrival of the Midland Railway in 1846, linking it to national trade routes. Factories and foundries, including the Ransome & Marles Bearing Company, powered the economy. Urban development brought terraced housing, improved sanitation, and public health reforms. Victorian architecture flourished, with restorations to St. Mary Magdalene Church and the Town Hall. Social life revolved around alehouses and education, with institutions like the Newark Ragged School offering new opportunities to the working class.

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12. The 20th Century: Wars, Recovery, and Modern Marvels​
 

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Newark’s 20th century was marked by resilience through two world wars. The town supported the war effort with munitions production and RAF operations, enduring tragedies like the 1941 bombing of Ransome & Marles. Post-war recovery brought housing, schools, and infrastructure, while the 1960s ushered in cultural change. The late century saw industrial diversification and digital adoption. Events like the Newark Show and Queen Elizabeth II’s 1977 visit highlighted community spirit, while the Great Flood of 1947 tested and proved the town’s solidarity.​​

13. 21st Century: Newark in the New Millennium: A Town with a Plan (and a Map)(2000–Present)

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AIn the 21st century, Newark has embraced digital heritage and community pride. The Newark-on-Trent Photographs group and Newark Guide website have fostered local engagement, while the National Civil War Centre has made history accessible and interactive. Green spaces like Sconce and Devon Park offer natural retreats, and the rise of glamping has drawn new visitors. Photography and social media have become tools for storytelling, connecting residents through shared history and scenic beauty. Newark continues to evolve, blending its rich past with a forward-looking spirit.

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To find out more an and see a FULL detailed history of Newark (for both adults and children) :

Visit my SHOP

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For some fantastic Videos on Newark through the ages, from Stone Age to Tudor and Early Stuart, please see HERE

Newark Civic trust also contains a wealth of history of Newark over various publications and magazines - check HERE

Please also see the 2 below links to Cornelius Browns history of Newark

Volume 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Volume 2

 

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For more detailed information about Newark's role during the Civil War, visit the National Civil War Centre, which offers free admission to residents of Newark and Sherwood

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Feel free to explore the Historic Newark On Trent Interactive Map for a visual journey through the town's rich history!

The below video shows Newark during the 1940's