A former teaching complex built during the 16th century will become a National Centre for Civil War Learning in Nottinghamshire.

The Grade II-listed Magnus Buildings will be turned into a “state-of-the-art” home for the story of the English Civil Wars in Newark – the town which was besieged three times due to its strategic location, and where Charles I eventually surrendered to the Parliamentarians in 1646.

Planners persuaded the Heritage Lottery Fund to give the project £3.4 million, paying for learning facilities and a sensory exhibition – the “Object Theatre” – as part of wider regeneration plans in the area.

Around 70,000 hallowed artefacts, including the Newark Civil War Siege Plan, weapons, coins and the Iron Age Newark Torc, will find a home at the centre.

In a sweeping round of further awards and support, the other multi-million pound winner is Hexham Abbey in Northumberland, where the Grade I-listed former monastic Carnaby building has won almost £2 million for a new visitor centre and improved facilities.

A full interpretation of the Anglo-Saxon chalices, Roman carvings and the early Christian crosses it showcases should also inspire visitors to the 7th century site.

The John Muir Award – a scheme encouraging people to care for wild places by completing a series of challenges – has also received £364,000 for a five-year project to protect natural habitats with the help of young explorers.