17/06/2026
When Royals Clashed at The Governors House
These ancient rooms once witnessed one of the most dramatic family arguments in English history.
In 1645, King Charles I was staying at The Governors House when he summoned his nephew, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, after the humiliating loss of Bristol.
Furious, Charles sent Rupert a letter that has survived the centuries:
"You assured me you would keep Bristol for four months. Did you keep it four days?"
Rupert came to Newark determined to defend his honour. Their private meeting became legendary, with stories of raised voices, bitter accusations and, according to local tradition, even swords being drawn.
Whether every detail is true or not, one thing is certain: Rupert left Newark disgraced, and the Royalist cause lost one of its finest commanders—a turning point in the English Civil War.
Today, the same 550-year-old rooms are far more welcoming.
Instead of kings and generals, you'll find coffee, cake, lunch and conversation. And while history tells us swords may once have been drawn here, these days the only thing likely to be drawn is a perfect espresso.
