Newark Town Hall - Newark - Nottinghamshire - NG24 1DU - tel: 01636 680333
History of Newark Town Hall
Newark Town Hall has housed the Mayor and the Town Aldermen since it was built in 1776 by John Carr of York. The Grade I listed building is now recognised as one of the finest Georgian town halls in the country.
The civic rooms, includes the Assembly Room (Ballroom), the Council Chamber and the Mayor's Parlour, which are found on the first floor.
The Assembly Room was designed to be used as the Borough Law Court, as well as used for public meetings, dances and concerts.
During the renovation of the Town Hall in the late 1980s, the Assembly Room was redecorated and restored to its original 18th Century splendour. In 1993, the restoration was awarded a Europa Nostra Diploma of Merit.
In 1950 the building was Grade 1 listed as a building of outstanding architectural merit.
In 1999, Newark Town Council opened up a museum within the building to allow daily access to its civic treasures. In addition to the rooms with displays on the first floor, visitors can enjoy an excellent Fine Art Gallery, the Spotlight Gallery and a Civic Gallery on the second floor.
The civic rooms, includes the Assembly Room (Ballroom), the Council Chamber and the Mayor's Parlour, which are found on the first floor.
The Assembly Room was designed to be used as the Borough Law Court, as well as used for public meetings, dances and concerts.
During the renovation of the Town Hall in the late 1980s, the Assembly Room was redecorated and restored to its original 18th Century splendour. In 1993, the restoration was awarded a Europa Nostra Diploma of Merit.
In 1950 the building was Grade 1 listed as a building of outstanding architectural merit.
In 1999, Newark Town Council opened up a museum within the building to allow daily access to its civic treasures. In addition to the rooms with displays on the first floor, visitors can enjoy an excellent Fine Art Gallery, the Spotlight Gallery and a Civic Gallery on the second floor.
The Charters
In 1549, Newark was granted its first Charter of Incorporation by King Edward VI. This gave the town the right to govern itself, and to elect its first Alderman Anthony Foster.
Altogether, Newark was granted six Charters between 1549 and 1677. Each Charter gave the Town further civic powers and privileges. The Fifth Charter of 1626 under King Charles I granted the Alderman the dignity of Mayor. The first Mayor was Henry Gill, elected on 1st July 1626.
Only two of the original Charters are known to exist today. These documents, together with the Coat of Arms granted to the town by Queen Elizabeth I in 1561, are currently held at Nottingham Archives.
Altogether, Newark was granted six Charters between 1549 and 1677. Each Charter gave the Town further civic powers and privileges. The Fifth Charter of 1626 under King Charles I granted the Alderman the dignity of Mayor. The first Mayor was Henry Gill, elected on 1st July 1626.
Only two of the original Charters are known to exist today. These documents, together with the Coat of Arms granted to the town by Queen Elizabeth I in 1561, are currently held at Nottingham Archives.
Civic Treasures
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, the two Mace Bearers, and the Town Crier all have traditional
historic robes which they wear on ceremonial occasions. Small versions of these robes are available in the Civic Gallery for children to try on.
The two maces are of silver gilt, and date back to the late 17th century.
The Loving Cup and cover are of silver gilt. The Cup was given to the town in 1687. The Mayor's chain of Office was donated by Alderman Becher Tidd Pratt in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
historic robes which they wear on ceremonial occasions. Small versions of these robes are available in the Civic Gallery for children to try on.
The two maces are of silver gilt, and date back to the late 17th century.
The Loving Cup and cover are of silver gilt. The Cup was given to the town in 1687. The Mayor's chain of Office was donated by Alderman Becher Tidd Pratt in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Siege Pieces
The Siege Pieces were coins used during the last years of the English Civil War (1642-1646). The coins are on permanent display in the Mayor's Parlour. The siege pieces were made out of civic plate, church plate and plate belonging to wealthy individuals. What is fascinating is that you can see the beading from the original silver platters or trays. Some pieces have holes in the top and were worn round the neck as a good luck token and also to support the King.
Council Chamber
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Mayor's Parlour
Civic Galery
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Art Gallery
Looking through to the Civic Gallery from the Spotlight Gallery
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