What to do on a wet day in Nottinghamshire

SteveL
SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,303 ✭✭✭
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edited January 2016 in Your stories #1

In May 2015 the National Civil War centre in Newark opened its doors to the public, and, on a rainy Sunday afternoon too wet for walking, we paid it a visit. Having parked by the river opposite the railway station, we did the short walk into town. On arrival at the centre we were greeted by a very helpful steward who explained both contents and locations and then sent us off to explore.
We found much of interest. Displays had brief descriptive plaques with 'dig deeper' cards alongside to find out more.
We watched re-enactment films portraying the battles which took place in and around Newark which gave us an insight into the viewpoints of those involved, families often being divided.
We had a go at firing a cannon (virtually!) - surprisingly difficult to get distance and elevation accurately. We studied everything from furniture to uniforms and were staggered at the weight of a cannon ball.
A further screen showed the geographical importance of Newark at the crossing of the Trent and the meeting of the Fosseway and the Great North Road, as well as detailing how the town developed from ancient times to modern day
We marvelled at coinage dug up in and around the town, and, a spectacular gold, silver and copper 'torq' (a thick twisted cord necklace) from the time of the Iceni.
But the centre holds far more. Part of its three floors also includes the Tudor school (forerunner of the present day Magnus school). It has been carefully restored and a visit to the boys dormitory reveals some very early graffiti, included in the many names which appear on the walls is a WD Darwin. (Charles Darwins great grandfather lived at Elston just a few miles south of the town, so perhaps there is a connection)
The centre will develop further when it opens a cafe and reception area linking it through to the Palace Theatre. There is also a community centre.
Worth another visit, we think, and hopefully it'll be dry enough to do the town trail sometime!
Newark is an easy journey from Clumber Park site, even nearer is AS at Milestone

Comments

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #2

    Interesting read SteveL, I live near the southern end of the Fosse Way, there's so much history along that route! Thanks.Smile

  • royandsharont
    royandsharont Forum Participant Posts: 735
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    edited February 2016 #3

    Thanks for the story Steve, good food for thought. I shall have to look for close camping with easy access by public transport or bikes. Regards, Roy

  • notite
    notite Forum Participant Posts: 96
    edited February 2016 #4

    I live south of Newark and so much easier to get to now the A46 is dual carriageway.

    Roy for information, Smeatons Lakes is on the Old A1 with Bus Stop at the entrance and very flat straight road to Newark, which I, guess is about 1 mile.

    Rob

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,303 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #5

    Thanks for the prompt about Smeatons lakes, Rob. Had forgotten it, probably because it's not CC. Right by the sugar factory, lots of fishing lakes too

  • milliehull
    milliehull Forum Participant Posts: 4,760 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #6

    Thanks for this really interesting story SteveL.  We must give it a visit sometime.

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