You are looking for a camouflaged container slightly larger than
a film canister placed at Newark Lock near an excellent view toward
Newark Priory. It is a spot often used by photographers and
painters so expect some muggle activity. From here you can walk
along the canal toward Walsham Lock. Please be careful not to
push the bottom of the canister as it will move up into the
container.
About Newark Priory
Newark Priory was established in the late 12th Century by Rauld de
Calva and his wife Beatrice de Saudes for Augustian canons. It was
dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Thomas Beckett and was a "novo
loco" - a new place for monks from nearby. The Priory's name
changed over the years to Newstead and then finally Newark.
During King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries Newark
Priory was dissolved. The prior himself was pensioned off,
valuables sent to the Tower of London and the land given to the
Master of the Kings Horse. It has been said that a cannon was
employed from the top of nearby Church Hill to bombard or demolish
what were the then extensive buildings. The last known prior of
Newark Priory was Richard Lipscombe, appointed just before the
surrender of the house in 1538. The building falling into ruin was
said to have been further destroyed by locals using the stones for
road mending; until Lord Onslow, the owner in the 1730s, decided to
preserve what remained.
Newark Priory is listed as a Grade I Ancient Monument and has
been placed upon the English Heritage Register of Buildings at
risk, established in 2007. It is located on private land so is
unable to be reached at a close proximity.
Please do not try to enter the field for a
closer look.
Free parking is available in the car park at nearby Newark
Bridge but please be careful crossing the bridges to the
footpath.