Fortress Newark Under Siege

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Sunday 3 & Bank Holiday Monday 4 May 2015

An epic clash of arms will mark the launch of the UK's first National Civil War Centre in Newark on Sunday 3 and Monday 4 May 2015.
 
The £5.4m attraction by Newark and Sherwood District Council will open in the magnificent Grade II* Old Magnus Building on Appletongate, currently undergoing a massive restoration project, backed by £3.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
 
Nearly 900 Civil War re-enactors and a battery of cannons from across the UK will descend on the market town, reviving memories of the three sieges it endured during the 17th British Civil Wars.
 
The deadly struggle by the Royalists to hold the Queen's Sconce earthen fort against Parliamentary and Scottish foes will be re-enacted, while other troops face each other over the River Trent at Newark Castle.  The command post for entire spectacular weekend will be in the Old Magnus Building, which survived a Civil War bombardment.
 
Other highlights will include living history camps, 17th century medicine, craft displays, arms drills, set-piece battles and a recreation of the final dramatic moments of the third siege, when the bedraggled Royalist garrison marched out with its flags flying after surrendering. Groups taking part will include The Sealed Knot, English Civil War Society and History Re-enactment Workshop.