Newark-on-Trent

Newark-on-Trent sits where two ancient roads meet in Nottinghamshire, with a stone fortification beside the River Trent. The Parish Church of Saint Mary Magdalene rises with a tall Norman tower above the narrow lanes around the central market square.

The settlement began as a fortification in Roman times at a river crossing and received a stone castle in the 12th century, later defended for the Crown during the Civil War. After several sieges, it fell to Parliamentary troops in 1646.

Local residents have gathered in the market square for centuries, following a traditional pattern that continues today. On different weekdays, traders arrange their stalls for antiques and everyday goods, and the layout follows an old, unchanged scheme.

The market square hosts activity five days each week, with different goods offered on each day. Visitors do best on foot, as the old lanes are narrow and the town center remains easy to survey.

The fortification preserves a Norman gateway from the early 12th century, considered the best preserved of its kind in England. Few visitors notice the original stonemason marks on the inner arches, which remain clearly visible today.