The history of Newark Park

Published:: 04 July 2023

South East view of Newark Park house — South East view of Newark park house | © James Dobson

The history of the house at Newark Park goes back to the 16th century, when it began life as a Tudor hunting lodge. It was transformed over the years into a fashionable Georgian home for the Clutterbuck family, which is reflected in its architecture today. Newark Park was eventually left to the National Trust in the mid-20th century and then underwent some much-needed restoration work.

A Tudor hunting lodge

'New Worke’ began life as a hunting lodge in the mid 1500s. It was built by the courtier Sir Nicholas Poyntz using medieval stones from a nearby dissolved abbey.

The elevated position of the lodge put it at an advantageous height for viewing hunts across the land. The lodge was never Poyntz’s family home, but he did use it as an impressive place for lavish entertaining.

Wooden panelled wall with a big fireplace at Newark Park — The Tudor bedroom at Newark Park | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

A Georgian home

Over the next 400 years, the house was expanded and remodelled a number of times. A succession of families made their home in what is now Newark Park. The most significant building phase was undertaken in the 1790s by the Reverend Lewis Clutterbuck, who hired the well-known architect, James Wyatt.

The Clutterbucks

The Clutterbuck family continued to own Newark Park, although it was leased to the King family for 50 years. Three generations later, Catherine Annie Power-Clutterbuck left the estate to the National Trust in 1949.

The First Stair Landing at Newark Park with a large stained glass window in the background — Stairs and landing at Newark Park | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Modern restoration

By 1970, the estate was in need of some restoration. An American architect, Bob Parsons, leased the house from the National Trust and spent almost 30 years taming the grounds and returning the house to a home along with his partner, Michael Claydon. Once again, it became a place known for its hospitality.