The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, Newark-on-Trent

St Mary Magdalene, Newark one of the largest parish churches in the country, its towering spire a visible landmark for miles around. The grandeur of the church reflects Newark's importance to the wool trade in mediaeval times.

There were more than twenty individual chantry chapels inside the building, founded by the wool merchants. On the side of one of the chantry chapels, there is still visible today the 16th century Dance of Death 'As I am today, so you will be tomorrow.'

Established on the site of a Saxon Church of Lady Godiva's time, the earliest parts of the present building date from the 12th century and in successive centuries, further additions were made. The main body of the church dates from the 15th century.

The treasures of the church include one of the largest Flemish brasses in the country - the memorial of the wool merchant, Alan Fleming, who died in 1361 - and the remains of several stained glass windows of the 14th and 15th centuries, now filling the beautiful window at the end of the south aisle. Many of the stained glass windows were donated by the 19th century maltsters and brewers of Newark, including two by the celebrated designer C E Kempe.

The choirstalls, which date from the early 16th century have misericord seats with intriguing carvings underneath. The late Norman crypt houses the church's silver plate, the earliest piece dating from the 17th century, said to have been used by Charles I, and the famous Leake Bequest of large Communion vessels.

Twentieth century additions include the resplendent, gold reredos above the high altar, designed by Sir Ninian Comper; the St George's Chapel - the memorial to the fallen of the 1st World War; the Holy Spirit Chapel; and works of art by local craftsmen including Robert Kiddey and Peter Ball. The church also boasts a peel of ten bells, a 'Father Wills' organ, many interesting memorials, several dating from the Civil War period, and a 17th century library donated by Bishop Thomas White, a former vicar of Newark.