Newark Penny Loaf Day and Hercules Clay Bombshell Sermon

Where: Newark-on-Trent, Notts at St Mary Magdalene Church off the Market Place in Church Walk
When: Sunday near 11th March
Time: 11am

 

Hercules Clay was a resident of Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire during the time of the Civil War; for three nights in a row he dreamt of his house burning and he took this as an omen, moving out just before the house was indeed damaged by fire in the siege. In gratitude for his family’s escape, he left funds in his will to found a charity dole of penny loaves for distribution to the needy on the Sunday nearest the anniversary of 11th March. Nowadays the special bread-themed service still takes place with Alderman Clay’s Bible on the altar; local dignitaries process to church from the Town Hall and small loaves are distributed to local charities for the homeless.

Helpful Hints

Alderman Hercules Clay’s house was next to the Town Hall – it’s now a  bank and has a rectangular plaque to commemorate the events under the large bow window. His memorial plaque may be found inside the church on the South Choir wall.

In 2024 it should normally have been on Sunday 10th March but was shifted to  Saturday 9th to avoid clashing with Mothers Day- 2025 date is yet to be confirmed but likely to be Sunday 9th.

Normally it’s on the Sunday closest to 11th March but if it clashes with Mothering Sunday it usually gets moved a week.

For any further information please contact the Town Hall on 01636 680333 or post@newark.gov.uk

Click here for the Newark Business Club who usually have the date in their calendar: https://newarkbusinessclub.co.uk/hercules-clay-commemoration-service/Click here for the church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NewarkParishChurch/

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