The Royal Visits​
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Newark-on-Trent has a rich history of royal visits, largely due to its strategically important castle and location during various conflicts and periods of English history. Here's a list of royal visits, and the reasons for them
Newark-on-Trent has been a royal hotspot for nearly a millennium. From medieval monarchs to modern queens, it’s seen power plays, political drama, and even a royal death. Not bad for a market town in Nottinghamshire.
So next time you stroll past Newark Castle, remember: you’re walking in the footsteps of kings, queens, and one very unfortunate case of dysentery.
Medieval Period
King Stephen (1135):
Newark Castle was taken into royal hands by King Stephen as early as 1135. This suggests a direct royal interest and potentially a visit to secure control of this important stronghold.
King Henry II (1180):
He visited Newark, likely due to its importance as a crossing point over the River Trent and its fortified castle. Royal itinerations were common, and strongholds were key stops.
King John (died October 19, 1216):
This is arguably Newark's most famous royal connection. King John died at Newark Castle from dysentery while on campaign, amidst the Barons' War. He had been taken ill at King's Lynn and was brought to Newark to recover. His will was written in haste at the castle, and his body was later interred in Worcester Cathedral.
King Edward II (1322):
Took control of Newark Castle. This would have involved his presence or that of his representatives to establish royal authority.
Tudor Period:
King Henry VII (1487):
Visited Newark. The reason isn't explicitly stated in all sources, but it would have been part of his royal progresses, consolidating power after the Wars of the Roses.
King Henry VIII (1547):
Newark Castle passed into his hands. This would have involved royal administrators and likely a visit, at least by representatives, to oversee the transfer of ownership and assess the property.
Queen Elizabeth I:
While specific dates are less clear, some sources suggest Queen Elizabeth I "walked through these great rooms" of Newark Castle. This would have been part of her royal progresses, where monarchs would travel throughout their realm to assert authority, be seen by their people, and utilize various royal properties.
Stuart Period & English Civil War:
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King James I (1603):
Visited Newark, likely as he travelled south to London to assume the English throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Such journeys often involved stops at significant towns and castles.
King Charles I (multiple visits, particularly 1642-1646):
Newark was a staunch Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War. King Charles I visited Newark on several occasions due to its immense strategic importance:
Control of the bridge over the River Trent: This made Newark a vital crossroads between the north and south.
Headquarters and garrison: Newark served as a key Royalist garrison and endured three sieges by Parliamentarian forces (1643, 1644, and 1645-46).
Last stand: In October 1645, King Charles made a final visit to "faithful Newark" when his position in the north was dire. He then fled to Oxford.
Order to surrender: Ultimately, it was by King Charles I's order that Newark, battered and suffering from disease and famine, surrendered to Parliament in May 1646. He had already surrendered himself to the Scots at Southwell (nearby) before ordering Newark's surrender.
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Queen Henrietta Maria:
Charles I's loyal queen also dined in Newark during a long visit to the town, further solidifying its royalist ties during the conflict. (37-39 Kirk Gate Newark - A grade 2 listed building dating back to the 16th Century and said to have been the residence of Lady Leake, with whom Queen Henrietta Maria, stayed between 16th June and 3rd July 1643, during the civil war.
Prince Rupert of the Rhine
Though not a monarch, Prince Rupert was a key Royalist commander and nephew of Charles I. He is commemorated in Newark by the historic Prince Rupert Pub, originally built in 1452
Modern Era:
Queen Victoria (1887):
While not a direct visit to Newark itself, the Corporation of Newark opened a landscaped public garden on the site of the castle's former courtyard in honor of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. This signifies a strong connection and loyalty to the monarch.
King George V and Queen Mary Visit to Newark Castle(pictured)
s on the 9th July 1928, King George Vand Queen Mary arrived at Northgate Station from Kings Cross, where they were received by the 6th Duke of Portland - known as William Cavendish-Bentinck, who was Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire from 1898 to 1939. The Royals were visiting Nottingham for the opening of the new University of Nottingham and the Royal Agricultural Show
Princess Anne (1978)
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal was in the town to open Southfield House, on Millgate, which provided sheltered accommodation for the elderly. She visited the thinnest house to collect money raised for Save The Children, of which she was president.
Prince Charles (1982)
In 1982, a cello was made and presented to Prince Charles as he visited Newark Technical College to open the new library and mark the College centenary. The specially made cello, modelled on 1790 design by Stradivari, was decorated by Paul Harrild with the Prince of Wales coat of arms.
Misc Connection
Princess Diana – Violin School Connection (1984) - In a charming royal twist, Newark’s School of Violin Making crafted a special instrument for royalty. In 1984, tutor Glen Collins created a scaled-down violin that was presented to Princess Diana as a gift for a young Prince William
It's important to note that historical records can sometimes be incomplete, and royal itinerations were not always meticulously documented in every detail. However, the above list represents the most well-known and significant royal visits and connections to Newark-on-Trent throughout history.
The earliest form of leadership that might be vaguely analogous to "royalty" in England would begin to emerge in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, but even then, detailed records of specific visits to places like Newark would be very scarce for the earliest periods. Before the medieval period, Newark’s VIPs were more likely to be tribal leaders with flint tools than crown-wearing
You can explore Newark’s full 14,000-year journey in the book Newark - A witty tour through time. It’s history with humour, puns, and just enough archaeology to impress your mates at the pub.
Available at www.newarkguide.co.uk/shop
