Behind the Scenes at the National Civil War Centre

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Saturday 3rd January 2015, 9am - 3pm

A rare opportunity is being offered to go behind the scenes at the Old Magnus Building on Saturday 3rd January. The magnificent Grade II* structure - which dates to 1529 – is undergoing major restoration to house the UK's first ever National Civil War Centre, expected to open in spring 2015. Now people are being invited to don a hard hat and see how work is progressing at a free Open Day.

Carol King, Learning and Participation Team Leader at the National Civil War Centre said:

“The Tudor roof has been stripped back revealing the fantastic beams and elsewhere the Victorian and Georgian rooms will soon be completed ready for fitting out.  This is an amazing time for the Civil War project and everyone's pulse is picking up as we get nearer the grand opening.”‌‌

Open Day tours will take people into the ancient Tudor roof space of the Old Magnus Building.Tour leaders will explain how one tonnes oak beams have been carefully inserted into place by jacking up the 16th century roof, whilst protecting rare graffiti etched on the walls, dating to 1608 when the building was used as a boys school. There'll also be chance to handle authentic Civil War objects like cannon balls and try on replica armour. Kids can also design their very own siege piece, coins once minted inside Newark during the terrible six month siege of 1645 – 46.

The free drop-in event runs from 9am to 3pm with the last entrance at 2.30pm. But if you want to take part in a hard hat tour of the building you should book a free a place in advance by contacting museums@nsdc.info or 01636 655777.

Tours last 45 minutes and take place at 9am, 10am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm. Places are strictly limited. Stout footwear must be worn and the tour involves climbing steep steps and negotiating some confined spaces.  They are not suitable for children under six years old.‌‌

The £5.4m National Civil War Centre project by Newark and Sherwood District Council will create the first centre of its kind anywhere in the UK, backed by £3.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Amazing 3D re-creations, hi-tech wizardry and scores of unseen relics will combine to explain the deadly 17th century conflict from the standpoint of famous people and the ordinary folk of Newark, many of whom suffered terribly. The Open Day is being run in conjunction with the main contractor for the scheme, Edwinstowe-based Robert Woodhead Ltd.‌