Project opening up 'hidden parts' of Newark Castle not seen in 400 years to start in months

A project to open up "hidden parts" of a Nottinghamshire castle that have not been seen for nearly 400 years is set to begin in the coming months. The multi-million pound project will see new galleries being created and private rooms being opened up that have not been seen by the public since the castle was partly destroyed during the English Civil War in 1646.

Newark and Sherwood District Council now says that contractors are expected to be appointed for the Newark Castle Gatehouse project by Christmas and that work will then begin next Spring. Describing the project, the council says: "We plan to open up the small rooms, corridors and a spiral staircase which are currently hidden behind closed doors.

"We will re-roof the Gatehouse and reinstate the first and second floors so that visitors can enjoy exploring inside the Norman castle, seeing views from the upper windows that haven’t been seen for nearly 400 years." The castle was first built in the early 12th century by Alexander the Magnificent, Bishop of Lincoln, as a timber structure.

The site was then rebuilt in stone towards the end of the century, but much of the building was destroyed after the castle surrendered to Parliamentarian forces in the civil war. The castle was then restored by renowned architect Anthony Salvin in the mid-19th century, before it opened to the public in 1889.

Although the site is already a popular attraction, it is thought that the restoration of the castle will increase visitor numbers to 21,000 a year. The project is primarily being funded by public money, after Newark had a five-year investment plan for the town approved in May 2021.

This approval saw a £25 million government grant being given to Newark and the district council says many of the projects forming part of its investment plan are now progressing well. Alongside the castle, other projects included a new construction college, which is so "significantly over-subscribed" that an expansion is already being mooted.

For the castle project, £3.3 million is being spent on it from the towns fund and £2.6 million of extra funding has also been secured from other sources. Up to 100 extra volunteers are set to be recruited at the Castle, the grounds of which will remain free to enter.

The district council adds: "This ground-breaking project will see Newark Castle's original Romanesque Gatehouse, named by Historic England as the most complete example of such a structure in England, reinstated as the spectacular entrance just as it was centuries ago. The new entrance will lead to five gallery spaces which follow the castle's story through time and bring its medieval history to life through fascinating, fun and interactive interpretation including models, real and replica tactile objects and furniture, embroideries, trails and play.

"There will also be a tower-top viewing platform from which visitors can overlook great views of Trent Valley. The development incorporates a new facility beneath the gatehouse bridge which will be used for both learning visits and for community groups and outreach, providing an extra space in the centre of town for residents to come together."