Works begins to give 12th century Newark Castle new life
Over £5 million is being spent to create new floors, gallery spaces and interactive displays
Newark Castle has stood at the entrance of the town for over 900 years.
Built by the Bishop of Lincoln between 1135-39, it's time as an aristocratic residence came to an end following the third siege of Newark in 1646.
Hundreds of years, and what will be millions of pounds later, Newark and Sherwood District Council are hoping to give the ruins a new life.
"It's a project that's going to see people having access once again to the inside of the castle," said Councillor Rowan Cozens, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts.
"So they'll be able to look out of windows that people haven't looked out of for many centuries.
"They'll be able to get right up onto the top of the roof and look out over Newark."
The renovations are set to cost £5.3 million pounds, and continue into at least late 2026.
"I think for most people, if you ask them what Newark meant to them, first of all, they'd say their Castle," said Cllr Cozens.
"Because you see it when you drive in, you see it when you come in by the train.
"All stories need a castle in them, don't they?"
Recognised by Historic England as the most complete example of its kind, the gatehouse will be at the heart of this restoration project.
Plans include rebuilt rooms, new gallery spaces, interactive displays, and a tower-top platform offering views of the Trent Valley.
"It's been many years in the making, probably going on now for somewhat, eight, nine years. It's very, very exciting," said Cllr Cozens.
"It's taken a long time to come to the stage where we've actually got diggers, cranes, and people on site because what we're doing is we're moving our wonderful castle into its next period of life."