[3] The Priory was granted substantial lands "to the canons there serving God" in the late 12th Century by Rauld de Calva and his wife Beatrice de Sandes for the Augustinian canons "to build a church" when Richard I reigned (1189–99) so according with its Early English Gothic architecture, the present priory dates to then.

This gradually changed its name from Aldbury to Newark or the New Place (novo loco) of St Thomas near Guildford,[3] at one point being called Newstead.

[5] The last known prior of Newark Priory was Richard Lipscombe, appointed just before the surrender of the establishment and lands in 1538.

[3] The building, falling into ruin, was said to have been further destroyed by locals using the stones for road mending until Lord Onslow, the owner in the 1730s, decided to preserve what remained.

[6] Newark Priory still exists as ruins today and is a scheduled monument and a Grade I listed building.