Newark Castle, Newark, Nottinghamshire
This was originally a medieval motte and bailey castle. It was built by order of the Bishop of Lincoln in 1133-48. It was taken into royal hands as early as 1135, by king Stephen. It was only given back to the Bishop in 1218. Edward II took control of the castle in 1322. Then it passed into the hands of Henry VIII in 1547. It was held for Charles I during the Civil War, and besieged in 1644 and 1646. It was also visited by Henry II (1180), Henry VII (1487) and James I (1603). In spite of its importance, the castle is not an outstanding example of fortification. The river Trent is its main strength. Its defences were not updated after the early 1300s. The defences had begun to deteriorate by the mid 1500s. It was restored in 1845-1848. It was then bought and further restored by Newark corporation in 1889. Further restoration work was also done in 1979-1990.
