Newark-on-Trent or Newark is a market town in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands region of England. It stands on the River Trent, (on the route of the ancient Great North Road), and theEast Coast Main Line railway. The origins of the town are possibly Roman as it lies on an important Roman road, the Fosse Way. The town grew around Newark Castle, now ruined, and a large marketplace, now lined with historic buildings. It was a local centre for the wool and cloth trade. During the English Civil War it was besieged by Parliamentary forces, and had to be relieved by Prince Rupert in a battle known as the Relief of Newark.
With its pleasant environment, including the surrounding villages, and its good transport links, the town is becoming a popular commuter town for the expanding city of Nottingham (around twenty miles (32 km) away) and increasingly for London (1 hour and 20 minutes by rail). Newark is the home of Newark Rugby Union Football Club, which has produced past players such as Dusty Hare and John Wells.