Newark Market Square lies within the historic core of Newark. The watching brief was carried out on an intermittent basis to suit the main contractor's programme of groundworks for the implementation of 14 lighting columns. Severe waterlogging across parts of the area prevented detailed investigation of some deposits but it was possible to obtain a record of stratigraphy from a represtative sample of the site. The results of the watching brief are broadly comparable with those of the preceding archaeological evaluation, showing evidence for undated archaeological remains overlain by modern concrete and surfaces with a combined thickness pf c. 0.40m. The earliest phase of activity appears to be represented over much of the site by dark grey silt/sand deposits possibly with organic content. It has been suggested that the 14th century maket surface lay at c. 5ft below existing ground level. If this is correct, the deposits encountered in the lighting pits may represent activity dating to the late Medieval and/or early Post-Medieval periods (c. 15th-17th centuries). In one lighting column pit, the possible metalled surface identified may belong to the same broad phase of activity and could relate to one of two phases of metalling identified during the evaluation of one test pit. Probable dumped or ground-raising deposits across most of the site preceded the laying of a surface comprising fragments of blue lias stone. This surface apears to extend across the majority or even the entire site and may be interpreted as an earlier market surface. In the absence of associated artefactual material, the surface could not be dated, but a Post-Medieval or more recent date would appear to be most likely in view of its relatively shallow depth. Its irregularity in absolute level and patchiness in occurece can probably be attributed to a combination of subsidence and partial destruction through the construction of the reinforced concrete base. The stone surface could not be dated due to an absence of associated artefactual material but a Post-Medieval or more reent date would appear to be most likely in view of its relatively shallow depth. Probable Post-Medieval and/or modern dumps then occupy the upper levels of stratigraphy between the stone surface and the reinforced concrete base. E88 for 1965 excavation.