Lovely afternoon in Belper - the River Gardens were a delightful place to spend some time relaxing. There is so much history in the town, so much to discover. It's well worth a visit.
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Take a trip to Newark to the National Civil War Museum - it is really interesting, as is the town of Newark itself. You can download the APP and find other points of interest around the town and watch videos and read more about various places. It is hard to believe that this is the first specific museum dedicated the the nation's deadliest conflict - The British 17th Century Civil Wars (there were 3 of them in 1640-51).
Starting off in the downstairs gallery, which had a very clean, modern feel to it.........
It was full of interesting artifacts, plaques to read and interactive displays.
I loved this - Roundheads and Cavaliers "Pikes and Ladders" - there were many other child friendly things to do, such as dressing up in armour and numerous educational buttons to press on the walls and boards. It made me wish I had bought a youngster with me so I could join in!
Anyone with an interest in Newark, Nottingham, Lincoln or the surrounding area would have been enthralled by the photos, pictures and historical exhibitions.
There was a cinema room to sit and watch well-made short films depicting life in the Civil War Era - I was surprised how professional they were and they didn't last for too long. There were only 2 films shown the day I went though - so I may have to go back another time!
How interesting this was - I have never seen anything like it before, It was used to tattoo or brand felons or deserters from the army. The emblem is CR and a crown. Although the metal spikes are blunt, they would have been heated up to burn an imprint onto the felons hand.
Another fascinating object that took my eye - this was the 17th century birthing chair which enabled the mother to give birth sitting up!!!!
What an unusual shape these coins were! They didn't look real!
There were many posters and plaques to read - depicting the history of the era.
Oliver Cromwell.
Part of the building used to be a boys school in Tudor Times - this was described here.
An aerial view of Laxton Castle which was originally Norman.
I loved this! A roman coffin from 1-4th century AD, discovered locally in 1971, containing the skeleton of a young woman.
I had been advised to watch another film show (by the very helpful staff), this one was made in 1940's showing Newark as a typical market town. It was brilliant, and I couldn't help laughing to myself how they described the "country people".
The displays were very well done, the rooms laid out nicely and humour added to the exhibits too.
Lots of memorabilia and photos that anyone would enjoy looking at - not only local people.
Upstairs are more exhibition rooms - this one was where the boys from the school would have slept.
They had a very famous pupil that they were proud of - Charles Darwin!
One of the temporary exhibitions was called " Battle Scarred", it was all about the awful realities of how medical treatment was performed, and different medicines the time of the Civil War. Absolutely fascinating for young and old alike. Even adults could have a go at extracting the bullet out of this severed arm!
And it was very interesting reading what herbs and flowers were used in the treatment.
Back downstairs to the school room, where children could do colouring, painting, and many other creative activities in this wonderfully restored Tudor room.
I spent a thoroughly enjoyable few hours there, it was an impressive modern building that took in the older adjoining building, and as you went through the different rooms, they all gave you something to want to stop and look at, to read about and gave you a history lesson to take home.
Throughout the town of Newark, I came across a few of the notices where I could find out more about this historic town. I know there were more - but they will have to wait for my next visit! And I will certainly be going back and having a tour of the Castle - another fascinating place.
Here is the website if you want a look:-
http://www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/ (just highlight, right click and Go To...)
www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com (just highlight, right click and Go To...)
It is open every day 10am to 4pm (until 5pm in the summer)
There is also a gift shop and cafe on site, as well as numerous places close by in the town.
Thank you,
