Four months into the Newark Castle Gatehouse Project, the transformation of one of Nottinghamshire’s most iconic landmarks is well underway, and the story so far is one of craftsmanship, discovery, and community connection.

Officially launched in July 2025, the project began with a striking sight: skilled masons perched along the riverside wall, carefully removing and replacing loose bricks and mortar to preserve the Castle’s structural integrity.

As August came around, Newark Castle revealed some of its secrets. Archaeologists from Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd (PCA) uncovered a substantial section of walling adjacent to the gatehouse. Initially thought to be part of an outer gatehouse, further investigation suggested it may be linked to Civil War-era fortifications near the River Trent. Another unexpected find, a retaining wall believed to date back to the earliest stone phase of the Castle, reshaped the understanding of its original layout. Perhaps the most intriguing discovery, however, was the large, capped cesspit beneath the garderobes, sealed with a worn medieval millstone.

During this time and moving into September, the project brought a wave of public engagement, with a series of drop-in sessions held in the Castle Grounds. These events gave residents and visitors the chance to meet the project team, ask questions, and view plans up close. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with strong attendance and enthusiastic feedback.  
 

Mid-October and November marked major construction milestones: the installation of steelwork on the first floor of the gatehouse and the new gatehouse entrance stairs. This structural leap forward laid the foundation for restoring the chambers once known to Bishop Alexander nearly 900 years ago, and the recreation of the original entrance to the gatehouse. These new spaces will eventually house immersive galleries and interactive exhibits that bring Newark Castle’s rich history to life. As part of the plans, this space will also be accessible via a lift to be enjoyed by everyone. Beneath the new entrance will sit the Garden Room, a versatile space designed to host school groups and community events. Bright and welcoming, this area will blend seamlessly into the newly landscaped castle gardens, creating an inviting environment that complements the historic setting.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Seeing Newark Castle begin its transformation over the past few months has been nothing short of inspiring. This project is a testament to the power of heritage to connect us to our past while shaping our future. I’m incredibly proud of the work our teams and partners are doing, not just in the physical restoration, but in the way they’re engaging our community every step of the way.” 

New CGI visuals have been unveiled, offering the public an exciting glimpse of how the Castle will appear once the project is complete. These detailed interpretations showcase the planned developments and provide a clear vision of the transformation that lies ahead.

As the physical transformation continues, so too does connection with the community. Newark Castle has now begun Hard Hat Tours, offering members of the public a rare behind-the-scenes look at the restoration in progress. The first tour, which took place on 20 November, sold out in a matter of minutes, giving an indication of just how highly anticipated this project is. More dates will be released in due course!

Looking ahead to 2026, the Newark Castle team is preparing to recruit volunteers to support events, tours, and visitor engagement. To help people learn more, a series of informal coffee mornings have been held at the Palace Theatre, offering a relaxed opportunity to meet the team and explore how to get involved. The next drop in date is between 10am and 12.30pm on Tuesday 13 January.

Councillor Cozens added: “The positivity and excitement surrounding the Gatehouse Project has been wonderful to witness. I would encourage everyone to get involved, whether it’s volunteering, or visiting public sessions, and be part of this remarkable journey.”

These first four months have laid a strong foundation, both physically and historically, for what promises to be a transformative journey for Newark Castle. As it moves into the next phase, they look forward to sharing more updates, milestones, and opportunities for the public to connect with this remarkable heritage site.

For more information and updates, visit www.newarkcastleandgardens.co.uk.