Known by many as "Newark Parish Church", S. Mary Magdalene, although the oldest, is but one of three parish churches in the Parish of Newark-upon-Trent, Nottinghamshire. Our partner churches in the Newark Team Ministry are Christ Church and S. Leonard's.

S. Mary's is home to a vibrant worshipping congregation which seeks to minister to the people of Newark and to the many visitors who come to the town seeking its beautifully preserved historic buildings and its links with the 17th-century English Civil War (Newark was proudly Royalist!). It is very much the "civic" church of Newark.

With the tip of its spire 256 feet above ground level (one of the tallest parish church spires in England), the church of S. Mary Magdalene is a landmark for miles around. Students of church architecture will find examples of Norman (the crypt), Early English (the lower tower), Decorated (the spire and south aisle), Perpendicular (the choir and Lady Chapel) and Tudor Gothic (the transepts) styles.

The regular Sunday and weekday services at S. Mary's are supported by our robed choir and glorious organ. The musical excellence owes much to the generosity and foresight of Thomas Magnus (1463-1550) who, when Archdeacon of York, in 1532 established a foundation for the benefit of town and church which continues to this day.

Within the church, S. George's Chapel is maintained as a chapel of remembrance for the Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment), later the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot). The Regiment, having been in existence since 1694 and been awarded 23 Victoria Crosses and 186 Battle Honours is now the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters).

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