The Old White Hart

Tucked into the corner of Newark’s Market Place, near the entrance to the Arcade, the Old White Hart is one of the town’s most historically significant buildings, with sections dating back as far as the 13th century. Once a public house, it is now perhaps best known for its striking exterior carvings, some of which were restored by Robert Kiddey.

Commissioned to recreate a number of the building’s original wooden figures, which had deteriorated over time, Kiddey approached the task with both technical skill and a deep respect for the building’s heritage. The result is a series of beautifully rendered carvings visible high on the building’s façade.

The two central figures depict Catholic saints: St Anthony of Padua, a Portuguese Franciscan friar who was famously portrayed by El Greco, and St Barbara, the patron saint of gunsmiths, miners, and those who work with explosives.

When visiting, be sure to look up as these sculptures are always visible!