Newark Castle was the episcopal castle of the Bishops of Lincoln, built c. 1135-39 on the site of a Norman motte and bailey castle. It is a Scheduled Monument and as such all works must be subject to Schedule Monument Consent as well as standard planning consent. A planning application was submitted to and approved by Newark & Sherwood District Council for redevelopment of the northern part of this Scheduled Monument including the reinstatement of the castle’s Norman gatehouse as the entrance to the castle and use of the tower as a museum, gallery and viewing platform, and the construction of a new bridge to improve accessibility. Historic England advised that an archaeological evaluation was be undertaken prior to commencement of construction activities which Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd Newark was commissioned to undertake.

The investigations revealed the medieval castle ditch and a 12th century masonry structure within it, among a palimpsest of activity possibly related to the gatehouse itself. Modifications to existing structures and terracing of the site occurred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. After canalisation of the River Trent in 1773, the area north of the gatehouse was used for storage whilst the terracing was maintained. The remains of early 19th century building were revealed, probably associated with river-related industries and produce arriving along it. One of these was interpreted as a possible stable block, with the recovery of associated iron working waste attesting to a smithy in the vicinity. The plan of the stables corresponds well with structures depicted on the 1885 Ordnance survey map.

Between 1887–1889, there were extensive landscaping works undertaken as part of a scheme of to turn the Castle grounds into a public leisure park to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1887.

Following the completion of the evaluation trench, a full report containing stratigraphic details and assessment of the recovered artefacts was prepared and issued to Newark & Sherwood District Council as well as Historic England to aid in their future planning.

A high-profile site, the excavation at Newark Castle generated a great deal of positive interest locally and featured on the Newark and Sherwood District council YouTube channel and on the BBC News website. High daily visitor numbers meant the excavation was both a point of interest and a risk, the latter requiring special health and safety considerations.