Tags
Children's activities, event, Heritage, National Civil War Centre, new National Civil War Centre, Tourism
Bank holiday weekend of 3rd and 4th May saw the opening of the new National Civil War Centre in Newark and nearly a thousand re-enactors descended upon the town in force in the biggest staged event of its kind. Newark Castle came under attack and the Queens Sconce earthen fort (the best of it’s kind surviving in Europe) was disputed by Royalist and Roundheads, aided by their Scottish allies. Gun fire and cannon fire could be heard around Newark and visitors to the event flocked from all over the county – a good time was had by all!
The Centre is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors annually and is housed in the Grade II Old Magnus Building on Appletongate which has been the result of a two year restoration programme having included the Tudor roof being stripped back on a large scale.
Be prepared to be transported back 370 years in the Centre and learn how one of Britain’s deadliest wars shaped our modern world of today. Why did one brother take up arms against another brother and how did a once all powerful monarch lose his head to an axe man?
The Centre tells the story of the Civil War and Newark’s role within the conflict with interactive exhibits and artefacts donated by local people. It also houses exhibitions which will change periodically.
The Centre is open all year round May – October – 7 days a week 10am-5pm. November – March – Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm
The Newark Torc
The Newark Torc is an Iron Age alloy torc and was found in a field on the outskirts of Newark in February 2005 and is dated between 250 and 50BC. It is believed to have been buried as part of a “religious offering.”
The National Civil War Trail – (in paper and app)
This trail takes you on a journey around Newark exploring the key sites such as Newark Castle and the Queen’s Sconce. The app has been designed to allow you to experience the stories of local and national characters including King Charles I and John Twentyman (a local eye witness). You can download the app and stories are told through high quality film clips which can be viewed through a smartphone or tablet when the content is triggered by Augmented Reality technology at each location (there are 8 locations around Newark). The app not only includes the Augmented Reality, it also contains an interactive timeline covering national and local events as well as a 360 degree panoramic of Newark Castle during the Civil War and an action packed game. The exclusive content of the game can be unlocked by visiting the National Civil War Centre. In the Centre, you will discover a large portrait of King Charles the 1st, who comes to life when triggered by the app, enabling the exclusive content.
The trail can be followed in any order.