thumb|Newark Castle – interior After the break with Rome in the 16th century, the establishment of the Church of England, and the dissolution of the monasteries, Henry VIII had the Vicar of Newark, Henry Lytherland, executed for refusing to acknowledge the king as head of the Church. The dissolution affected Newark's political landscape. Even more radical changes came in 1547, when the Bishop of Lincoln exchanged ownership of the town with the Crown. Newark was incorporated under an alderman and twelve assistants in 1549, and the charter was confirmed and extended by Elizabeth I.
thumb|newark castle – interior after the break with rome in the 16th century the establishment of the church of england and the dissolution of the monasteries henry viii had the vicar of newark henry lytherland executed for refusing to acknowledge the king as head of the church the dissolution affected newark's political landscape even more radical changes came in 1547 when the bishop of lincoln exchanged ownership of the town with the crown newark was incorporated under an alderman and twelve assistants in 1549 and the charter was confirmed and extended by elizabeth i