Annual commemoration of Civil War Mayor Hercules Clay held, with donation made to Newark Foodbank

The life of Newark’s civil war-time mayor has again been commemorated — with his philanthropic work continued in the modern day.

On Saturday, March 8, an annual ceremony marked the life of Hercules Clay, a 17th century Newark businessman and mayor during the English Civil War.

Current mayor Diane Ledger lay a rose in honour of her predecessor from centuries before, and also welcomed re-enactors from Colonel Robert Overton’s Regiment of Foote in front of the Town Hall, close to Hercules Clay’s former home next door to the hall.

In tradition with a request in his will to give loaves of bread to the town’s poor, the regiment and the Mayoral Party then processed to Newark Foodbank where a food donation was made to continue the historic philanthropist’s commitment to supporting those in need.

The event was supported by Newark Business Club and members of the public were encouraged to contribute their own donations to the foodbank.

The Mayor said: “It is important to keep the memory of Hercules Clay and what he represents alive for the younger generations.

“Donating food to Newark Food Bank continues the tradition of giving bread to the poor, at a time that more people than ever require their services.

“Thank you to Newark Business Club for organising the event and to the Clay family for attending.”

The ceremony concluded with refreshments at the Town Hall.