Sconce and Devon Park

Sconce and Devon Park is a park in Newark, Nottinghamshire, England. It is the location of Queen's sconce, an earthwork fortification that was built in 1646 during the First English Civil War, to protect the garrison of King Charles I based at Newark Castle. It is a listed ancient monument. The park has a visitor centre, local nature reserve and it is part of a civil war trail through the town.

There are large areas of open grass and woodlands which includes Devon Pastures Local Nature Reserve, a children's play area, a civil war trail, a cafe, a football centre with 2 adult and 4 mini-soccer pitches, a park ranger service, a fitness trail, a wildlife pond, a parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 9 am, and there is a junior parkrun every Sunday at 9 am.^[1] The River Devon passes the park and contains Perch, bream, pike, chubb and carp. There are woodland walks with English Oak, willow and English Elm. There are two meadows which support grass species and marsh vegetation that are part of the Local Nature Reserve. An orchard has damson, blackthorn, plum and apple trees.^[2]

Held by the Royalists, Newark-on-Trent played a major role in the First English Civil War. Located on the last crossing point of the River Trent and at the intersection of the Great North Road and Fosse Way, it was strategically important. The stronghold was centred on Newark Castle and was besieged three times before it succumbed, at the King's instruction, in May 1646. The sieges resulted in extensive siegeworks built by both sides.^[3]