One of our teams is lucky enough to be beginning an excavation at the spectacular Newark Castle today. The aim is to uncover additional information about the historical layout of the castle by revealing a stable building that stood next to the gatehouse 200 years ago. The building was partially located by Salford Archaeology in 2018, and sections of a wall are illustrated on plans and drawings dating from 1823 to 1885. Our 20m x 5m trench should expose the structure in its entirety.
As well as offering a glimpse into the castle’s historical evolution, our findings will play a crucial role in shaping the next phase for the castle: the development of the Gatehouse as a visitor attraction, with a new community facility in the location of the former stables. It is hoped that the remains of the stable, depending on preservation, can be exposed and tastefully incorporated into the new space.
You never know what you’re going to uncover on a dig, especially on a site as rich in history as our own spectacular Newark Castle. It’s been the home of a bishop, seen the death of King John, been taken apart by townspeople rebuilding after the Civil War and much more, and I can’t wait to see which stories it will tell us next.
Sarah Clarke, Project Development Manager for the Newark Castle Building Bridges Project
