1797 Engraving Newark Castle Co Down

1797 Antique Print a copper plate engraving of Newark Castle in county Down.

The prints are part of a larger set on Ireland, published by Hooper & Wigstead in London. After drawings by Francis Grose, dated 1794, the print was not published until 1797

Prints is in very good condition for age, markings, foxing.

Print area is 7 by 5 inches, paper area 10 1/2 by 8 inches.

Newark Castle (historically associated with the coastal fortifications of Ardglass) was constructed in the 15th century in County Down. Positioned along the strategic eastern coastline, the structure was originally built as part of a series of fortified Anglo-Norman trading warehouses and tower houses designed to protect the prosperous harbor and maritime trade routes of the Ards Peninsula.

Architecturally, Newark Castle featured thick stone rubble masonry, defensive battlements, and secure storage chambers suited for cross-channel commerce between Ireland and England. Over the centuries, as regional trade patterns shifted and military conflicts impacted the Lecale peninsula, the castle underwent structural modifications before eventually falling into disuse.

In the late 18th century, the site was documented by the noted antiquarian Francis Grose for his seminal study, The Antiquities of Ireland.

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