This blog explores a largely overlooked tomb inside Lincoln Cathedral that is believed to belong to Bishop Alexander, also known as Alexander the Magnificent, the 12th-century bishop responsible for building Newark Castle's iconic Gatehouse.

Bishop Alexander's vision can still be seen in both Newark Castle and Lincoln Cathedral. This blog explores how these Norman landmarks were designed for different purposes, one to inspire awe, the other to govern. It also reflects on how today's conservation work continues a centuries-old tradition of protecting and preserving our heritage.

It’s a real privilege to be able to climb the scaffold ladder and get up onto the roof! This week, Barry joined the project team in marvelling at the skill and dedication of the masons working on Newark Castle’s historic fabric as they prepare to install the new roof.

This week Barry joined the archaeological team and Dr Pamela Marshall — a renowned academic specialising in the history of English and French castles — to hear about a rather surprising discovery.

Bishop Alexander ‘the Magnificent’ is said to have built three castles. In this blog, Barry looks at their locations and investigates the role they played as centres of medieval administration.

This week, Barry learns about Bishop Alexander and considers why he built a magnificent stone castle here in Newark.

This blog explores the earliest history of the Newark Castle site, why this location was chosen and what existed here before the Castle we recognise today. It sets the scene for understanding how the site evolved over time.

This week, Barry climbs the scaffolding to get up close to the painstaking work of many generations of masons. Find out about eroded carvings, cracks in the stonework and the materials chosen to sensitively conserve and repair centuries-old features.