Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Newark-on-Trent, Gothic parish church in Newark-on-Trent, England
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is a medieval parish church in the heart of Newark, England, recognized by its tall Gothic west tower that rises above the surrounding rooftops. Inside, the building opens into a broad nave with high vaulted ceilings, stone arches, and detailed decorative stonework.
The church dates to around 1180, when an underground crypt was built and still survives beneath the building today. After the Black Death of the 14th century, the church was largely rebuilt in the Perpendicular style, giving it much of the appearance it has now.
The church is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, one of the most recognized figures in the New Testament. The building is still an active place of worship, and its doors are regularly open to visitors who want to step inside and look around.
The church stands right on Newark's market square, making it easy to find on foot from anywhere in the town center. It is worth allowing extra time to explore both the exterior and the spacious interior, as there is a lot to take in at a slow pace.
Inside the church there is a rare medieval wall panel depicting the Dance of Death, a motif that survives in very few English parish churches. The ten bells hanging in the tower were cast by John Taylor and Co and have been ringing out over the town since the 19th century.
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