It evolved as a sumptuous but fortified bishop’s palace (King John died here in 1216). It was badly damaged in the Civil War and then had many uses before it was acquired by the townspeople for use as a public park. In 1887 the renowned park designer HE Wilner was commissioned to lay out the site as a public park.

The project was designed to refurbish Newark Castle Gardens to the original designs of HE Milner and improve facilities for public access and enjoyment. The scheme included tree and shrub planting based on early photographs and Milner’s planting lists, it also involved resurfacing footpaths and installing new gates and railings. Plans included improving public access and understanding of the site by providing improved information and interpretation.