On Air Now Jamie Curt 10:00am - 1:00pm
Now Playing Deacon Blue Twist And Shout

Newark Commended by Earl Spencer for National Civil War Centre Exhibit

Lord Spencer, brother of Princess Diana and keen historian, got a first look at the new exhibition in Newark earlier this week.

Lord Charles Spencer described the newest exhibition at the National Civil War Centre, on Appletongate, as a ‘gem’ when it opened earlier this week.

The ‘The World Turned Upside Down’ exhibition opens to the public on Friday 6th September and shows the chaos and transformation of the country in the during and following the Civil Wars.

Earl Spencer, who has written several books and featured in television programmes about various aspects of the Civil Wars, was one of the first to see the exhibition.

He spoke of the relevance of the time and how it affects politics, equality and everyday life today, “It is the basis of our democracy, everything stems from what happened in the mid 17th century: the power between a king and partliament and also a country being ripped in two, which of course is very relevant now.”

Visitors can view Oliver Cromwell’s sword and hat, the sash Charles I wore to his execution and even learn the best way to amputate an arm on the battlefield.

Curator and Team Leader of Collections and Exhibitions at the Civil War Centre Glyn Hughes has worked on compiling the display for the past 18 months, and described the response from private collectors and relatives of historical figures as “phenomenal” when asked to lend their artefacts to the project.

“It never fails to amaze me the generosity of people, what they’re prepared to do, the lengths they’ll go to and the kindness that they show you as a museum, it’s really humbling. As a curator, you remember that.”

The National Civil War Centre opened in 2015 and has displayed a range of exhibitions, including one on ‘Fake News’, currently on display on the third floor.

Carys Coulton-Jones is the Business Manager for Heritage, Culture and Visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council and says that Newark’s rich history is something to be proud of, “There are other places that can tell Civil War stories but I think it’s important that we tell ours and shout about it.”

At the opening of the exhibition: CEO of NSDC John Robinson, Chairman of NSDC Councillor Rob Crowe, Leader of NSDC Councillor David Lloyd, Lord Spencer, Curator Glyn Hughes and Councillor Rita Crowe.

More from Local News

  • Newark jam-packed with events this spring and summer

    This year is set to be a busy one in Newark with a whole host of events set to take place in the market town over the next few months. From Artisan Markets to the CAMRA Beer Festival and ‘Race to the Castle’ (a paddle board event) to the popular Steampunk Festival, there’s lots for families and friends to get involved with.

  • The District Council garden recycling service is open for 2024/25 sign ups

    Recycle your garden waste and help create a greener Newark and Sherwood by joining the District Council’s garden recycling service. You can now sign up to the 2024/25 service and join over 18,000 residents who are already signed up! For £37 you get a brown bin and an all-year-round collection service, which occurs every two weeks between March and November, and monthly from December to February. If you need to order an additional bin you can do so for £37 each.

  • StreetLink support for rough sleepers in Newark and Sherwood

    If you see someone sleeping rough and you want to help, you can now alert the right support groups through one website, StreetLink. StreetLink, a digital platform aimed at helping rough sleepers, has officially relaunched with a new website that connects people who are sleeping rough to local support services.

  • 2023 Brings A Full Programme Of Events For The Town Centre Including Newark-On-Sea

    Including a live screening of the King’s Coronation