Explore Nottingham City & Nottinghamshire
48 places to see, 58 weblinks 121 photographs in 16 galleries
Les Churchman
Nottinghamshire: ancient and modern!
The city of Nottingham and the county of Nottinghamshire have something for everyone! * Caves inhabited during the last Ice Age with pre-historic artefacts ; * Nottingham City - continuously inhabited since Saxon times; * A city and county rich in medieval remains and legends; * A network of caves under the modern city; * Sites of interest from the English Civil War; * A Victorian industrial heritage still visible today; * A City and County with a wide choice of restaurants; * A major shopping destination; * A county studded with stately homes frequented by kings, queens and aristocrats; * A vibrant theatre, music and nightlife scene; * Sporting venues of national and international standing; * A centre of excellence for students with two universities; * Links with literary figures of national importance. Whatever interests you, this guide will give you the facts, photo galleries and web links to plan and enjoy your visit! i
Chapter 1
The City of Nottingham Nottingham is so much more than the city of Robin Hood. The eighth largest urban area in the UK, it combines pride in its rich history with being a modern vibrant city offering sport, shopping, theatre, art, music, restaurants, and nightlife. If you know where to look, you can discover the best of the city’s past while enjoying 21st century Nottingham!
Section 1
Nottingham - an introduction If you know where to look, the historic city still co-exists with the modern one. The ancient Britons called it “the city of caves”. You can still see outcrops of sandstone in the city centre with entrances into the cave system that lies under the city centre. You can even visit some of these caves. The legend of Robin Hood is known the whole world over. It centres on Nottingham, its castle and the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. You can visit secret passages under the castle used in royal intrigue and plots. St Mary’s church is mentioned in the legends too. The old castle was burnt down in the 19th century by a rioting mob. Now the Castle is a mansion standing on an outcrop of high rock dominating the city centre. Set into the Castle Rock, the “Trip to Jerusalem” public house claims to be the oldest pub in England. Every year in October, the Goose Fair reminds us of the time in the 13th century when thousands of geese were driven miles into the city to be sold. The city’s importance as a textile and lace centre during the Industrial Revolution can be seen in the historic Lace Market district. So, let’s start the journey into the city of the cave dwellers, legends, poets, writers, kings and industrialists.
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Section 2
Historic Nottingham Overview While there is evidence of settlers in Nottinghamshire in
base in the English Civil War in the 17th century, the castle found
prehistoric times, the first mention of “Snotengaham” is in the
itself on the losing side. By razing the castle, it could no longer
Anglo-Saxon chronicles of the 9th century. By the 11th century
be used as a Royalist base. On the restoration of the monarchy
there were two settlements: the Anglo-Saxon one to the east
the Duke of Newcastle built a mansion on the castle site in the
where St Mary’s church now stands and the Norman French
1670s.
settlement around the Castle Rock area. Over the years these settlements grew together to form Nottingham.
From the late 18th century, Nottingham prospered as a textile and lace centre during the Industrial Revolution. Not everyone
Running under much of the city centre is a network of more than
benefited from this prosperity and an angry, rioting mob burned
450 man-made caves, occupied and used from the 11th to the
down the mansion.
20th centuries. The medieval castle, which no longer stands, saw fighting between King Richard I and Prince John in the 12th century. Just over a century later, the young Edward III effectively organised a coup d’état, entering the castle by a secret passage in order to arrest his mother and her lover, Roger Mortimer. This passage is open to visitors to the castle today. In the 14th and 16th centuries the castle was a residence and a
The present Castle Museum and Art Gallery was opened in 1878 by the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VII. Nottingham’s association with textiles continued and is now witnessed by the Lace Market district. This was never a “market” for buying and selling but rather a series of impressive 19th century buildings used as warehouses and to display products. This district is now a protected heritage area with a mix of medieval, 18th and 19th century buildings.
fortress with frequent royal visitors. However, used as a royalist 4
Section 3
The Old Market Square The Old Market Square has been the centre of the city for 900
To the north of the square are the Theatre Royal, the Royal
years. In the 11th century it was the market place for the Saxon
Concert Hall, the Cornerhouse cinemas and shopping streets
settlement around today’s Lace Market and the Norman castle.
leading to the Victoria shopping centre. To the east you will find
Since the late 13th century it was the site of the city’s famous
Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery, the Lace Market and the
Goose Fair. Originally an agricultural market, the fair gained its
quirky shopping streets of Hockley, Going south the shopping
name from the fact that as many as 20,000 geese would be
streets take you to the Broadmarsh shopping centre - at the time
driven into the city for sale for feasting at Michaelmas in October.
of writing, awaiting renovation. Finally to the west of the square
The modern Goose Fair is now a funfair and has been moved to
are Nottingham Castle and The Trip To Jerusalem, featured
the Forest Recreation Ground, 2 miles away.
elsewhere in this guide.
The square is dominated by the Council House, the home of Nottingham City Council. The modern building dates from 1927 and is a focus for royal visits, parades and protests. On the side of the Council House, on Smithy Row, is the Tourist Information Office. Throughout the year the square hosts food markets, a Christmas market, concerts, special events and celebrations. In summer the square is even transformed into a beach with sand, water and seaside attractions.
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The Old Market Square is said to be the largest surviving city square in the United Kingdom
In 2007 the redesigned square was opened with grey granite fountains which prove irresistible to children in summer!
The Square has several neo-Gothic buildings around it.
The 19th century buildings feature spires, towers and fantastic sculptures.
South of the Old Market Square is the church of St Peter, built between 1175 and 1340.
The stone lions flanking the entrance to the Council House have become a symbol of the city.
The Art Deco statues are a popular place to arrange to meet in the city centre.
The ground floor of the Council House is taken up with “The Exchange” - an upmarket shopping centre.
Who needs the sea when there are fountains?
In summer the Old Market Square is transformed for a few weeks into a beach for families and their children to enjoy.
Section 4
Nottingham Castle The original wooden Nottingham Castle built by the Normans
his ancestors infuriated a rioting mob in 1831 by opposing a new
was replaced in the 12th century by a stone fortress. The castle
law intended to give ordinary people more rights. The mob
sits on an outcrop called Castle Rock with cliffs 40m high to the
burned down the house in a riot. In 1875 the house was rebuilt
south and west. The caves under the castle were used as a
to become a museum and art gallery.
brewhouse for beer and an entrance from the river Leen which used to run by the foot of the rock. The castle has been the site of significant historical events.
Official website: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx? articleid=1036
When Richard I returned from the Crusades at the end of the 12th century, he had to besiege the castle to get it back from his brother John. Then, at the start of the 14th century, the young King Edward III arrested his mother and her lover, Roger de Mortimer. Edward entered the castle from the base of the Castle Rock, using the caves and passageways now called “Mortimer’s Hole”. See the weblink on the right for times of tours. In the 17th century, during the English Civil War, the castle was a stronghold for King Charles I. After the execution of King Charles in 1649, the castle was ruined as a punishment to the city. When the English monarchy was restored in 1660, the Duke of Newcastle built a stately home on the site. Unfortunately, one of
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Just outside the Castle walls stands the statue of Robin Hood, a focal point for tourists’ photographs.
Standing in what was the Castle moat, the statue is surrounded by wall plaques showing scenes from the legends.
The bronze statue, designed by James Woodford R.A., was unveiled in 1952.
Sitting on Castle Rock, the original 12th century castle was the centre of the Norman city.
The Gatehouse gives an idea of what the original medieval castle looked like.
The 19th century Castle Museum is surrounded by beautifully kept gardens.
Underneath the Castle are many man-made caves and tunnels.
Section 5
The Trip To Jerusalem “The Trip to Jerusalem” is a black and white building at the
There is also an antique speaking tube to communicate directly
base of Castle Rock. It claims to be the oldest pub in England.
with the castle. Please consult “The Trip to Jerusalem” website
Although the black and white building dates only to the 1650s,
for details of booking cellar tours.
the site has an interesting history and the interior of the pub is remarkable. In the Middle Ages beer was a staple drink because the quality of the water was often bad. The stable temperatures in the caves
In one bar upstairs you will find “The Cursed Galleon”. According to legend, anyone who cleans the model ship will die! Official website: www.triptojerusalem.com
under the castle provided the perfect conditions for brewing beer. It is likely that a brewhouse has existed on this site for more than 900 years. The name of the pub can be misleading too. An old meaning of “trip” is a resting place. So it is claimed that pilgrims would break their journey to the Holy Land here. It is also said that knights answering Richard I’s call to the crusades in the 12th century AD stopped here to meet before travelling onwards. Now the pub is famous for its bars which are, in fact, caves. Legend says that the pub is connected to the Castle caves and today it is possible to tour the caves under “The Trip”. They have housed the Castle gaol and even a cock-fighting pit.
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The famous “Trip To Jerusalem” inn sits at the base of Castle Rock.
There has been an inn on the site since medieval times, using the caves in Castle Rock to brew beer.
Several bars are carved out of the sandstone and predate the 17th century black and white building.
In one downstairs bar you can play the old bar game “The Ring On The Horn” - just don’t sit too close while it’s being played!
The upstairs bars, also carved into the Castle Rock, have passages said to lead into the Castle cave system. According to legend, anyone who tries to clean the Cursed Galleon will meet an unexpected death! Luckily it’s now in a glass case!
The cave bars are very atmospheric, especially when there is a roaring fire to warm yourself by.
Section 6
The Lace Market The Lace Market is a historic quarter square mile area of
At the edge of the Lace Market - and unmissable in its
Nottingham on the east of the city centre. The area was
contrasting style - is Nottingham Contemporary - a gallery of
originally the old Saxon settlement known as “Snotengaham” or
modern art. The green concrete panels bear the imprint of
“the village belonging to Snotta”. The Lace Market also has
Nottingham lace!
Nottingham’s oldest church, St Mary’s. The area became important in the 19th century as the centre of commercial activity for Nottingham’s textile industry. Nottingham
Galleries of Justice website: www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk Nottingham Contemporary: www.nottinghamcontemporary.org
was particularly renowned for its lace production. The Lace Market was not a market in the traditional sense, rather the location of warehouses and showrooms so that customers could see the range and quality of the lace. The area today has a number of impressive Victorian buildings from that industrial period, all now converted for other uses. The Adams Building on Stoney Street, for example, now houses part of New College Nottingham. However, there are also earlier buildings too. High Pavement is a fine Georgian (18th century) street. The old law courts and gaol date from the same period and are now used a museum of crime and punishment, the “Galleries of Justice”.
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Many of the warehouses have been converted into stylish flats.
The 19th century warehouses of the Lace Market now house restaurants, college buildings and offices.
By St Mary’s church there are a number of buildings from the 18th century.
Nottingham’s old courthouse and gaol - you may spot where the mason mis-spelt the word “gaol” on the front of the building.
The courthouse building is now home to the Galleries of Justice museum.
The concrete of Nottingham Contemporary modern art museum has been imprinted with a lace pattern as a reminder of the Lace Market’s origins.
St Mary’s church - the building we see today dates from the reigns of Edward III and Henry VII.
Saint Mary’s church is the oldest medieval building in Nottingham.
A church is believed to have existed on this site in Saxon times as part of the original Nottingham settlement.
Today the church is in the centre of the Lace Market district of the city.
The south entrance and porch are the oldest parts of the church, dating from the 15th century.
An 18th century lion and unicorn, supporting the Royal Arms, stand near the west entrance.
The 15 century font bears a Greek motto: “Wash away thy sin, not thy face only”.
A view up the Nave to the Choir and Chancel.
At the end of the 17th century it became compulsory to display the Royal Arms in churches - these are the Arms of Queen Anne, 1707.
In the 18th century the lion and unicorn were on the church organ - they were moved to their present position in 1930.
An effigy of the Mayor dating from 1416.
Much of the stained glass dates from extensive restoration in the 19th century.
A stone carving above the south entrance door.
Section 7
The Caves of Nottingham Underneath the streets of Nottingham there is an unusual link
The other way to see some of the caves is to visit Mortimer’s
with the past. There are almost five hundred man-made caves
Hole at Nottingham Castle. This is a 105m tunnel from the top of
below the buildings of the city. Some of these are still being
Castle Rock to the base where the river Leen used to flow past in
surveyed, while others can be visited. The caves were certainly
the medieval period. It was a quick way to transport goods from
in use in the 9th century because there are references to the
the river to the castle. However, it is most famous as the secret
Saxon settlement of Nottingham as “Tig Guocobauc” or “the
route taken by Edward III to enter the castle and arrest his
place of caves.”
mother and her lover, Roger de Mortimer in 1330. The route is
The caves were used extensively through the medieval period as,
steep at times with over 300 steps.
among other uses, dungeons, tanneries, breweries and cellars.
Mortimer’s Hole tours take place at specified times with the
There is evidence that many poor people lived in the caves. In
system closed to the public at other times. It is therefore
more recent times the caves were used as air raid shelters in
recommended that you check in advance of visiting.
World War Two. Two cave systems are open to visitors today. One is located under the Broadmarsh shopping centre. Take the Low Pavement entrance into the shopping centre, go down the escalator and the entrance is on the upper level on the left. You can either visit the cave system with an audio guide or accompanied by an archaeologist.
Nottingham Castle caves: www.cityofcaves.com/index.asp A research team laser is scanning and surveying the cave system and has produced virtual tours of caves not open to the public as well as the two already mentioned. You can see these at: Caves survey website: http://nottinghamcavessurvey.org.uk/ index.htm
City of Caves website: www.cityofcaves.com/index.asp 51
The entrance to this cave system is on the upper floor of the Broadmarsh shopping centre.
When you enter the caves here, you enter a new and eerie underground system used since Saxon times.
This section has seats in a circular cave. It is said to have been used for gambling. There is a hole in the roof which goes up to the surface. When law officers approached a coin was dropped down the hole to warn the gamblers below.
You can visit the caves on a group tour in the company of an archaeologist or individually.
Here a pillar supports a larger cave - there were many places where the roof caved in and extending a cave was a risky business.
Among other uses, there was a tannery underground. The caves served as homes, storage areas and workplaces.
The cave systems are complex and are being surveyed by laser scanning to map them.
Some of the houses on ground level dug down into the cave system to produce ready-made cellars.
The caves have also been used as air raid shelters during wartime.
Section 8
Wollaton Hall Set in walled parkland, Wollaton Hall is an unexpected find in the suburbs to the west of the city centre. The Grade 1 listed Elizabethan mansion was built in the 1580s, originally for the Willoughby family. On a hill dominating the surrounding park, the mansion consists of a high central hall surrounded by four towers. It is so atmospheric that the Hall was used in the
Distance from Nottingham city centre: 5 miles Getting there: Three miles west of the city centre, signs show the way from the A52 or the A6514. Satnav postcode: NG8 2AE
Batman film, “The Dark Knight Rises” as Batman’s house, Wayne
Official website: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?
Manor.
articleid=1037
The 500 acre walled park is home to herds of red and fallow deer. It is used for concerts, activities for children as well as an invigorating place to walk around the lake. It is important to check the website for the opening and closing times of the park. The Hall now houses a natural history museum as well as several rooms which have been reconstructed in period style: a Tudor kitchen, a Regency dining room and salon and the Prospect Room which affords panoramic views of the city and parkland. These are accessible only as part of the regular guided tours. The park also houses Nottingham’s Industrial Museum, currently open at weekends - see the website for opening times.
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The Red Deer are an impressive sight- but are best given a wide berth in the rutting season!
The 16th century mansion stands on the top of a hill in the centre of the deer park.
The Hall was built in the 1580s for its first owner, Sir Francis Willoughby. The style is described as Elizabethan with early Jacobean elements.
The outbuildings house an Industrial Museum.
The Fallow Deer are free to wander in the parkland.
While the deer are free to wander the parkland, they are kept out of the formal gardens.
The mansion consists of a high central hall surrounded by four towers.
Section 9
Shopping in Nottingham While individual shops may open and close, Nottingham has a
Nearby, and attached to the Council House in the Old Market
thriving shopping district in the city centre. The map weblink at
Square, is the Exchange Arcade. The Arcade has an attractive
the end of this page shows the main shopping streets. It is worth
interior and dome which are well worth seeing. On the outside of
highlighting a few which may be of interest to the visitor to the
this building, on Smithy Row, you can find the Nottingham
city.
Tourist Information Centre.
Towards the north of the central area, the Victoria Centre is
Other shops of particular interest to visitors from abroad include:
currently the city’s main shopping mall with anchor stores such as John Lewis, the House of Fraser, Boots and Next. There is also a large indoor market and underground parking. The shopping centre stands on the site of the old Victoria railway station and the clock tower still survives. Towards the south of the city centre stands another shopping mall, the Broadmarsh Centre. At the time of writing this centre is awaiting decisions about a multi-million pound upgrade.
* Waterstones - a bookshop on Bridlesmith Gate * Paul Smith’s original shop on Byard Lane. There is also the main Paul Smith Store on Low Pavement. * Marks & Spencers on Listergate * Fopp for CDs and DVDs on Queen Street For a full city centre map, including shopping streets
There are a few smaller shopping arcades, such as the Flying
and car parking visit: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/
Horse Mall near the Old Market Square. This small shopping
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centre currently houses a number of high-end stores such as Vivienne Westwood, Cathy Stephens jewellers and the Nottingham Cheese Shop. 69
For a full city centre map, including shopping streets and car parking visit: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx? Photographs courtesy of G.Merigo 70
Section 10
Culture & Entertainment in Nottingham Nottingham has a varied and vibrant cultural life led by institutions, ethnic and religious groups. The principal entertainment venues in the city centre are:
www.alberthallnottingham.co.uk The city centre is also the place for comedy clubs and other music venues. A number of churches also organise recitals and
Nottingham Playhouse for classic and modern plays, dance,
concerts. Details of these and other events outside the city can
children's drama and performances by comedians:
be found at: www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/event-listings/event-
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk The Royal centre comprises: The Theatre Royal for touring drama, dance, opera and ballet & the Royal Concert Hall for touring world-class orchestras, solo artists and rock groups: www.trch.co.uk Nottingham Contemporary for modern art: www.nottinghamcontemporary.org The Capital FM Arena for major stadium performances from musicians, comedians and television spin-offs: www.capitalfmarena.com/Online/ The Albert Hall for recitals, choirs and festival events:
search.html The major commercial cinema is the Cornerhouse while Broadway is the major independent cinema: www.cornerhouse.tv/home.aspx www.broadway.org.uk Outside the city centre, just off University Boulevard, you can find the Lakeside Arts Centre for comedy, dance, drama, exhibitions and workshops: www.lakesidearts.org.uk The Old Market Square and the Embankment by the River Trent are also venues which feature music and entertainment during festivals and carnivals. You can browse listings at: www.experiencenottinghamshire.com/whats-on/ 71
The 10,000 seater Capital FM Arena hosts music, comedy and is home to the Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey team.
Nottingham Contemporary modern art museum - and no, the photograph has not been reversed!
The Cornerhouse is a popular destination for its cinemas, bars and restaurants.
The Theatre Royal, completed in 1865, now forms part of the Royal Centre along with the Royal Concert Hall.
Nottingham Playhouse, with Anish Kapoor’s “Sky Mirror”.
Section 11
Sport in Nottingham The City of Nottingham has a wide range of sporting facilities
There are, of course, numerous commercial gyms, football clubs,
both for the participant and spectator. For Nottingham City
rugby clubs and rowing clubs.
sports centres and swimming pools see: www.mynottingham.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=170 For ice skating on an Olympic size ice rink, see the National Ice Centre: http://national-ice-centre.com For excellent indoor and outdoor tennis facilities: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=183 Nottingham and the surrounding county have two racecourses. Nottingham Racecourse is at Colwick, 3 miles from the city centre: www.nottinghamracecourse.co.uk/Home.htm Southwell racecourse is 16 miles away: www.southwell-racecourse.co.uk/home
For professional sport, the following pages provide information and links for: Nottingham Forest Football Club, Notts County Football Club, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and Nottingham Rugby Football Club You might also be interested in Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey, based at the Capital FM Arena: www.panthers.co.uk For canoeing, white water rafting and other water sports at the National Water Sports Centre: www.nwscnotts.com Details of other options can be found at: www.experiencenottinghamshire.com/things-to-do/get-active
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Section 12
Nottingham Forest Football Club Nottingham Forest Football Club has its home ground just south of the river Trent, not far from Trent Bridge. The club has been based here since 1898 although it was formed 34 years previously.
Official website: www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/page/Welcome The club also runs a successful Youth Academy: www.nottinghamforestinthecommunity.co.uk
The club colour, red, is a familiar sight on match days as fans make their way to the City Ground which now accommodates approximately 30,000 spectators. In the past, in the days before all-seater stadiums the maximum attendance at a match here was almost 50,000. One of the club’s most famous managers was Brian Clough. He managed the club for eighteen years from 1975 and, today, there is a statue honouring him at the bottom of King Street, by the Old Market Square. The satnav postcode for the City Ground is NG2 5GJ but it is easy to park in the city centre just 2 miles away. There are also match-only parking sites along the London Road (A60). If travelling by train, the City ground is only 1.5 miles away. For details of the club’s news, fixtures, results, tickets, team and
Photographs courtesy of JMS Photography at Nottingham Forest Football Club
statistics, visit their webpage... 78
Section 13
Notts County Football Club Located just north of the river Trent, the Meadow Lane stadium is home to Notts County Football Club. The club claims to be the oldest football club in the world that is still playing professional football. The Meadow Lane ground has an all-seated capacity of over 20,000 and also is the home of other sporting events. Nottingham Rugby Football Club and the Varsity series also use
For fixtures, results, tickets, team details and statistics: www.nottscountyfc.co.uk For Nottingham RFC: www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk
the ground. The club, founded in 1862, plays in black and white striped shirts and has the nickname of “The Magpies�.
The club was one of
the founding members of the Football League. On match days, Meadow Lane is just 10 minutes away on foot from the railway station. There is the option of special match day car parks along and just off London Road and at the Cattle Market which faces the ground - satnav NG2 3HJ. The Club has an important community action programme which focusses on sports participation, coaching, health and social inclusion: http://www.nottscountyfitc.org.uk/index.php Photograph courtesy of Notts County Football Club
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Section 14
Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club Trent Bridge Cricket Ground is the home of Nottinghamshire
Adjoining the cricket ground is the famous “Trent Bridge Inn”
County Cricket Club. It stands opposite County Hall and takes
which is popular for post-match drinks.
its name from the nearby bridge over the river Trent. The site has been used for cricket since the 1830s.
Official website: www.nottsccc.co.uk
The ground seats over 17,000 and is considered one of the best grounds in the world for spectators, winning architectural awards for some of its stylish stands. The ground hosts Test, One Day International and County cricket matches. There are also weekly tours of the ground and a number of other facilities: squash courts, indoor cricket nets. The ground’s library holds the largest collection of books on cricket in the UK. The ground is a 20 minute walk from the train station. The satnav for the ground is NG2 6AA. Special parking arrangements are available with the city’s Park and Ride scheme. There is also some parking along the riverside on the Victoria Embankment. Full details can be seen on the club’s website. The club has a coaching programme to ensure that the next generation of cricketers develop the skills they need. 80
Section 15
National Water Sports Centre Located on the south-eastern edge of the city, the National Water
If you would like to try one of the activities, there is a variety of
Sports Centre is set in 270 acres of parkland and makes for an
courses ranging from one hour to two days in length. It is even
exhilarating visit whether as a spectator or a participant.
possible to experience white water rafting. Courses are available
The centre has three main outdoor water sport facilities:
for canoeing, kayaking, sailing, power boating, rafting and water skiing. As with all such activities, terms and restrictions apply.
* a 2000 metre regatta lake with a six lane rowing course;
Please ring the Centre to check availability and conditions.
* a water-ski lagoon with a slalom course, ski jump and a ski
Events held at the Centre are listed on the website below.
cableway; * a 700 metre white water slalom course. There is also direct access to the river Trent from the Centre. The white water course is used for slalom, freestyle and white water racing. One of the best in the country, it is 1500 metres long and produces Grade 3 white water rapids. The Centre is used for both international and national competitions as well as regular training sessions. There is
Distance from Nottingham city centre: 4 miles Getting there: Leave Nottingham on the A6011 (Radcliffe Road) travelling through the suburb of West Bridgford. As you arrive at the edge of the city, the National Water Sports Centre is signposted. Look for the turning to the left onto Regatta Way and follow the signs. Satnav postcode: NG12 2LU Official website: www.nwscnotts.com
always something to watch!
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The 2000 metre regatta lake has a six lane rowing course. Photo courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council.
The National Water Sports Centre attracts both national and international sportsmen and sportswomen. Photo courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council.
The 700 metre white water slalom course is a great place to watch people training and competing.
It’s fascinating to watch the skill of the sportsmen and sportswomen as they tackle the rapids.
Chapter 2
The Legend of Robin Hood Throughout the world people have heard of Nottinghamshire’s famous outlaw who stole from the rich to give to the poor. He fought the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and King John. Robin is the hero of countless books and films. Many sites in the City and County are associated with the legend of Robin Hood. But did he really exist?
Section 1
The Legend of Robin Hood Robin Hood is a fearless folk hero defending the poor against
However, popular stories of outlaws often portrayed them as
tyranny in a feudal society. We all probably have an image of him
innocent men hiding from corrupt and cruel justice.
derived from films or television. But what do we really know about Robin Hood? Did he exist? Do the heroic tales tell the true story? It is not easy to answer these questions because we are dealing with events that would have taken place seven hundred years ago. This is what we do know.....
Documentation is scarce but a York Assizes court record from 1226 names a Robert Hod. At the time the spelling of names was not fixed so this could be a reference to a candidate for our outlaw. Forty years later a royal official makes reference to “Robinhood”. It seems from contemporary documents, however,
“Shire Wood” (modern Sherwood) was a royal forest and was
that a number of individual outlaws - at least five - are referred to
certainly a hiding place for outlaws. The word “outlaw” has a
by this name during the 13th century.
specific meaning in the medieval period. An outlaw was someone who had committed a serious crime or failed to attend court when accused. Anyone coming across an outlaw was entitled to kill him - an outlaw had no legal rights at all. Therefore outlaws could not live in communities - they had to hide in places such as Sherwood Forest.
So we have the possibility that there may have been an outlaw of that name in the 13th century. But where? Both Nottinghamshire and Barnsdale in Yorkshire lay claim to Robin Hood. As the stories of Robin Hood spread they started to be written down in the form of ballads or poems. Some of these mention Nottinghamshire, others Barnsdale. However, given that
Most outlaws were not heroes. Once they were outlawed, their
these locations are only 40 miles apart it is possible that they
possessions and lands were seized. It was a hard life in the
refer to one person based in north Nottinghamshire, close to the
forest and outlaws were, of necessity, opportunistic. They were
Yorkshire border. It s also possible that by the time the ballads
notorious for making travel through the royal forest dangerous.
were written the location was less important than the story.
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The earliest ballads make no mention of why Robin Hood was an
“Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne” was probably from around
outlaw. Nor do they mention his marriage to Maid Marian. As
1475. This is a complex, dramatic story where Little John is
was the custom with such ballads it is likely that various parts of
captured and sentenced to death. Meanwhile Sir Guy of
oral tradition were woven into a new story. For example there are
Gisborne is hunting Robin but meets him without knowing his real
references to a Robin and Marion in a French play of 1283 which
identity. After winning an archery competition against Sir Guy,
was then picked up and used in a poem by an English poet in
Robin reveals his identity and a swordfight ensues. Robin kills his
1376. From then on, Marion began to appear in the Robin Hood
opponent, beheads him and then cuts Sir Guy’s face to make him
ballads and poems of the 15th and 16th centuries. By the 17th
unrecognisable. Wearing Sir Guy’s clothing, Robin goes to
century the stories were becoming fixed through the medium of
Barnsdale where Little John is held prisoner and presents the
printing - there are a number of printed songs telling the story of
defaced head to the Sheriff, pretending that it is proof that Robin
Robin Hood.
Hood has been killed. Robin declines gold as a reward but asks
The early ballads - and summaries of them - are available online if you want to explore in more depth. Some of the principal ones are: “Robin Hood and the Monk”. This is believed to be the oldest extant ballad from around 1450. The story is set in Nottingham at St Mary’s church. It features the familiar characters of Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham and tells of Robin’s escape from the Sheriff’s gaol and his safe return to Sherwood Forest.
that he should be allowed to execute Little John. This stratagem allows Robin to rescue Little John and make a fool of the Sheriff. So there may have been a historical Robin Hood existing as an outlaw on the Nottinghamshire - Yorkshire border in the 13th century. Almost certainly the various versions of stories, passed by word of mouth, and the later ballads developed and embroidered the bare facts. What is perhaps as important as historical fact is that the legend provided a lasting and popular morality story of intelligence and skill prevailing over cruel, feudal
“Robin Hood and the Potter”. This tale from about 1503 tells of
tyranny and injustice. We do, after all, like to see the Sheriff of
a disguised Robin taking part in an archery contest in Nottingham
Nottingham defeated, don’t we?
and tricking the Sheriff into an ambush from which he has to walk home barefoot. The appeal to peasants of a tale of an authority figure, such as the Sheriff, being humiliated is obvious. 88
Section 2
The Robin Hood Trail If you want to follow in Robin Hood’s footsteps, this section gives you the main locations in the City and County associated with the legend. For locations in the City a street name is provided while for locations outside the city centre a postcode is provided for satnav. In the city 1) Robin Hood is associated with Sherwood Forest - but this was not what we understand today by a “forest”. The medieval forest was a varied expanse of approximately 90,000 acres. The important point is that this area was covered by “Forest Law” intended to protect the deer, wild boar and the vegetation they lived on. If you want to see the type of deer Robin Hood may have illegally hunted, take a trip to the Deer Park at Wollaton Hall (satnav: NG8 2AE).
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2) Nottingham was governed by the Sheriff of Nottingham whose job was to keep the peace, to collect taxes and to enforce Forest Law. The old Sheriff’s Hall (also called the Shire Hall) was on the site of the present Galleries of Justice. It is said that there are dungeons in the caves below this 18th century building on High Pavement in the Lace Market.
3) On one occasion Robin came to worship at St Mary’s church also on High Pavement. He was not wearing a disguise and was recognised by a monk from whom he had robbed money on a previous occasion. Robin was arrested and thrown into prison at the Sheriff’s Hall just across the road from the church. Fortunately Robin was rescued by Little John, one of his “Merry Men”.
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4) The Sheriff of Nottingham was based at the original Castle of Nottingham which was destroyed at the end of the Civil War in 1649. It is here that the Sheriff would have, so the legend says, hatched his plans to take more taxes from the poor and needy. The castle would have been the focus for tension and fighting. King John often visited the castle and used it as a base for hunting in Sherwood Forest. A statue of Robin Hood stands just down the hill from the castle gatehouse on Castle Road.
Outside the City of Nottingham 5) You can visit Sherwood Forest near the town of Edwinstowe in the north of the County. The “Major Oak” is at the centre of the visitor trails - the huge tree is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old, so it could have been standing at the time of the Robin Hood legends. According to legend, the hollow trunk of this tree was the outlaw’s shelter. (Satnav: NG21 9HN)
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6) In nearby Edwinstowe, the church of St Mary dates from approximately 1175. In the Robin Hood legends he marries Maid Marian at the door of this church. There is even a statue of Robin Hood proposing marriage to Marion in the centre of the village. The outlaws were not the only people illegally hunting in the forest. In the 14th century the vicar of Edwinstowe was convicted of hunting and killing the King’s deer! (satnav: NG21 9QA)
These are the major sites associated with Robin Hood. If you want to explore the Robin Hood sites in more depth, Newark and Sherwood District Council has an excellent and detailed PDF file which gives more information and a route map.
Newark & Sherwood Council’s “Trail of Robin Hood”: www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/media/newarkandsherwood/ imagesandfiles/tourism/tourismpdfs/Robin%20Hood%20Trail.pdf
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Chapter 3
The County of Nottinghamshire
Home today to just over a million people, Nottinghamshire has a rich heritage. You can visit small market towns, ancient royal forest, stately homes, historic castles or even Ice Age caves. You can see where kings slept or were arrested, where great abbeys were destroyed and, of course, where outlaws lived in the forest.
Section 1
Newark Newark (the full name is Newark-on-Trent) is a market town 21
The castle grounds, the Gilstrap Heritage Centre (for tourist
miles from Nottingham on the A46 road. The town has an
information) and the castle ruins are open to the public.
impressive history and is also ideally situated on the river Trent for boat rides. It has a beautiful market square. Newark castle dominates the river in the centre of town. Although there has been a fortress on the site since Saxon times, the present castle dates from the late 13th century. Once an important stronghold, the castle later became the property of important 16th century historical characters such as the Earl of
Getting there: Follow the A52 from Nottingham, then joining the A46 signposted to Newark. Satnav postcode: NG24 1EG The Newark website: www.experiencenottinghamshire.com/ towns-and-villages/newark-p453391
Belvoir, William Cecil and Lord Burleigh. However, during the English Civil War in the 1640s Newark Castle was an important Royalist stronghold. It was beseiged by the Parliamentarian rebels three times and, after the surrender of King Charles I the order was given to destroy the castle. The demolition was never completed because of the arrival of the plague in Newark and the castle was left largely as we see it today. Set in an attractive park, visitors can now see the gatehouse, curtain wall overlooking the river and the northwest tower.
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The ruins of Newark Castle, with its curtain wall, dominates the River Trent.
The gatehouse of Newark Castle dating from the late 13th century.
The Town Hall, dating from 1773, is on the west side of the Market Place.
The Market Place is still used for regular market days.
Section 2
Southwell Southwell is a small market town north-east of Nottingham. For
brass lectern (circa 1500) came from Newstead Abbey. The
such a small place it boasts a number of places to visit.
Minster has a flourishing programme of classical, choral and
The Saracen’s Head public house was originally built in 1463 and
organ music.
is picturesque in the centre of the town. The interior has some
Concerts and events: www.southwellminster.org/concerts-and-
wall paintings from the Elizabethan period (circa 1590). Many
events.html
famous people have stayed at this inn: Charles Dickens, Lord Byron and King James VI of Scotland on his way south to be crowned as King James I of England too. Perhaps most
Services at the Minster: www.southwellminster.org/ services.html
poignantly, King Charles I spent his last night as a free man here before being arrested during the English Civil War. Southwell is famous for its racecourse just outside the town and you can visit the 19th century Workhouse where the poor had to live and work. This property is owned by the National Trust. Most striking is the cathedral, Southwell Minster, started in the 12th century and finished in two hundred years later in the Norman style. The distinctive pyramidal spires, sometimes called “pepper pots”, are unique in the UK. The severe Romanesque design of the interior is impressive and atmospheric. The choir screen is from the 14th century and the
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The entrance to Southwell Minster, the seat of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.
The Minster is an outstanding example of Norman and Early English architecture.
Building work on the Minster started in the 12th century and was finished two hundred years later.
The 12th century nave has several examples of Norman mouldings.
The arches of the Nave and the South Aisle.
The modern golden statue of Jesus at the end of the Nave.
The tomb of Archbishop Sands, 1890.
The early 13th century Choir.
Architectural detail from the interior.
Section 3
Sherwood Forest Once a royal hunting forest extending for 30 miles from the north to the south, Sherwood Forest is now a patchwork of forest and heathland. The site is a National Nature Reserve and includes a Visitor Centre within the 450 acre Country Park.
Distance from Nottingham: 20 miles Getting there: Leave Nottingham on the A60 (Mansfield Road) and, just on the edge of the city at a roundabout take the A614 (Ollerton Road). continue on this road for 12 miles until approaching the edge of
Famous for its association with Robin Hood, the area is home to
Ollerton. At the roundabout turn left onto the B6034 and follow the
ancient oaks 500 years old. The most famous tree is the Major
signs for Sherwood Forest Country Park.
Oak, estimated to be 800 years old. According to legend, Robin Hood used this tree as a larder or to hide in from his enemies. The area is home to numerous species of fungi, insects, small mammals, birds and bats.
Satnav postcode: NG21 9HN Sherwood Forest website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ sherwoodforest/
Attractions and facilities: Visitor Centre Trails...
Shop
Restaurant
Guided walks
* The Major Oak path - 1 mile * The greenwood Walk - 1.75 miles * The Birkland Ramble - 3.5 miles
The Robin Hood Festival website:
This photograph courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhood/ 109
Sherwood Forest National Natural Reserve, with the Major Oak, in winter. Photo courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council.
The 450 acre National Nature Reserve is home to many species due to the natural decay of fallen timber.
The Major Oak has a spread of 92 feet and still bears acorns. The cavity in the trunk is, according to legend, where Robin Hood hid from enemies.
In the centre of the Visitor Centre stands the statue of Robin Hood fighting Little John to cross a bridge.
The Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre arranges events with a medieval theme such as the Robin Hood Festival.
It is possible to take guided walks with Rangers to learn about the wildlife in the forest.
The Major Oak in summer.
Section 4
Creswell Crags For a completely different experience, visit Creswell Crags - a limestone gorge in the north of the county on the border with Derbyshire. 50,000 years ago Neanderthals lived and hunted here. 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, the caves were occupied by hunter-gatherers. The area was home to wooly rhinoceros, hyenas, bisons, mammoths, reindeer, bears, lions, wolves and even hippos! In the Visitor Centre you can see an exhibition of their remains as well as the tools used by prehistoric man living here.
Distance from Nottingham: 28 miles Getting there: Trains from Nottingham on the Robin Hood Line will take you to Creswell village, about a mile away from the Creswell Crags. If travelling by car, satnavs can take the wrong route when searching for Creswell Grags. It is best to use the Satnav postcode: S80 3LH Official website: www.creswell-crags.org.uk
There are regular guided tours of the main caves. Three of the caves have something unique in Britain - engravings and basrelief carvings at least 12,800 years old. They show deer, bison, birds and horses. Church Hole cave has the most examples with twenty three carvings. Robin Hood’s cave and Mother Grundy’s cave have one example each. With the help of the guide you will be able to see something carved by our prehistoric ancestors! The Visitors’ Centre is also the starting point for a number of walks in the impressive gorge. There are activities for children, a shop and a café in the Centre.
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In prehistoric times the inhabitants of the gorge co-existed with a wide variety of animals, such as this hyena.
Downstairs in the Visitors’ Centre there are regular activities to help children understand excavations and what can be discovered.
The Coffee Shop overlooks the entrance to the gorge.
In the centre of the gorge of Creswell Crags is the lake with a number of walking routes.
In the 19th century early archaeologists blew the cave floors out with dynamite, so now a platform takes you to the original cave floor level.
With the right lighting the bas-relief of a bird’s head, maybe an ibis, can be clearly seen.
Engravings and artefacts were found in four major caves. “Church Hole Cave� has 80 engravings dating to about 12,800 years ago.
The limestone gorge is honeycombed with caves and smaller fissures, some of which were inhabited during the last Ice Age between 43,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Section 5
Rufford Abbey Rufford Abbey is set in 150 acres of parkland with woodland walks, formal gardens and a lake. The original Cistercian abbey, now ruined, dates from the 12th century. The Abbey was closed in the early 16th century when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries. The Abbey was later incorporated into a stately home lived in by the Savile family for 300 years until the Great Depression in the early 20th century. In the 1940s the house fell
Distance from Nottingham: 21 miles Getting there: On the A614, north of Nottingham. Look for signs just after the village of Bilsthorpe. Satnav postcode: NG22 9DF Official website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ruffordabbey/
into disrepair and the unsafe portions demolished. Attractions and facilities: Woodland walks
Lake with wildfowl
Gift shop
Contemporary craft centre
Cafe
Restaurant
Children’s Play Village
Formal gardens
Ice house
Sculpture garden
Special events (see website) This photograph courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council
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The entrance to Rufford Abbey, now largely ruined. Photograph appears courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council.
The ruins of the 12th century Cistercian abbey (left) were incorporated into the stately home of the Savile family (on the right).
More detail from the upper abbey level.
Part of the medieval Cistercian abbey with grotesque carvings set between the windows.
The vaulted cellar of the medieval abbey.
Rufford Abbey lake and mill.
The wildfowl on the lake include geese, swans and duck.
The formal gardens include a Sculpture Garden.
There is also a children’s play village in the main visitor season.
On one side of the Abbey visitors can enjoy formal gardens. The Orangery, pictured here, leads back to the old stable block with the cafĂŠ, craft centre and gift shop.
Section 6
Newstead Abbey Newstead Abbey is a fine house set in 300 acres of parkland and gardens. Originally a 12th century Augustinian Priory stood on this site but, after the Dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, the abbey fell into private hands. Stone from the abbey was used to build the manor house, retaining the 13th century west front of the abbey and incorporating it into the house. Newstead Abbey was home to the family of Lord Byron for many generations. The famous poet lived in the house from 1808 1814. Today you can visit his private appartments and the rest of the house, mainly Victorian in style.
Distance from Nottingham: 16 miles Gettng there: Leave Nottingham on the A60 (mansfield Road) and stay on this road as you pass through the village of Ravenshead. In this village you will see the entrance to Newstead Abbey signposted on the left, opposite The Hutt public house. Satnav postcode: NG15 8GE Official website: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx? articleid=1035
The house is surrounded by a number of separate formal gardens as well as the parkland with its walks, lakes and waterfalls. There is a tradition of theatrical performances in the Abbey grounds. There is a cafĂŠ which is accessible from the park. Check the website (see right) as the opening times for the park and gardens differ from those of the house.
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The Priory had been founded by Henry II in 1170.
Part of the original west faรงade of the Augustinian Priory was incorporated into the 16th century castellated house.
The south side of Newstead Abbey.
The tunnel between the Tropical Gardens and the formal gardens.
The eats faรงade of the house seen from the Eagle Pond, also known as the Mirror Pond.
The French and Spanish gardens adjoin the east faรงade of the house.
The Small Walled Garden is one of ten formal gardens.
The gardens are planned to draw the eye into the next section.
Newstead Abbey is set in 300 acres of parkland with lakes, ponds and cascades.
Section 7
The River Trent and Waterways The River Trent, a historic waterway since the Bronze Age, flows
In contrast to the broad, fast flowing Trent, the County has a
through the city of Nottingham, Newark and the rural Trent Valley.
number of canals. The Nottingham & Beeston Canal, which
The Danish invaders sailed up the river from the Humber Estuary
flows through the city centre past the restaurants and bars of
to invade in the 9th century.
Castle Wharf, is popular with barges and pleasure boats. South
As well as being a relaxing place for walking, the river is used by pleasure boats. In Nottingham you can take a two or three hour cruise or, if more adventurous, take to the water yourself. The
of the city, on the border with Leicestershire, the Grantham Canal runs through the Vale of Belvoir with beautiful Belvoir Castle and the Stilton cheese producing area.
non-tidal reaches above Cromwell Lock are suitable for inland
Local waterways and boat hire:
vessels in normal weather. Or you can walk from Trent Bridge
www.experiencenottinghamshire.com/discover-notts/rural-notts/
along the Victoria Embankment, past the War Memorial and see
canals-and-waterways
members of Nottingham Rowing Club on the river. For nature lovers, the 145 hectare Attenborough Nature Elsewhere in the Trent Valley the varied habitat supports numerous species of birds including grey heron, coot, moorhen and mute swans. The river provides superb coarse fishing - many of the stretches of river require a day pass or membership. The fish include carp, brea, roach, dace and pike.
Reserve is worth a visit. The flooded gravel pits are famous for the winter wildfowl, the spring and summer migrants and birds which breed there in the summer, such as great crested grebe. Satnav: NG9 6DY Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust: www.attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk
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The River Trent has a series of locks to bypass weirs.
Swans on the canal in Nottingham city centre.
The River Trent at Gunthorpe where there are a number of restaurants.
The River Trent at Newark has walks alongside the river by locks and old warehouses.
Trent Bridge crossing the river in Nottingham city centre.
The Victoria Embankment runs alongside the river from Trent Bridge.
Chapter 4
Day trips from Nottingham Nottinghamshire is a convenient base for exploring further afield too. It borders four other counties Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Here are some of the attractions in those countries which would be perfect for a day trip.
Section 1
Day trips within reach of Nottingham THREE SUGGESTIONS:
Nottingham City and the county of Nottinghamshire have plenty to interest you on
1. Lincoln Cathedral
a visit. Yet there are several special places just outside the county which you might like to consider for a visit while you are in the area. These destinations span nine centuries! To the east is the city of Lincoln with its impressive medieval cathedral. You can climb the aptly-named Steep Hill to the top where the cathedral dominates the city.
2. Leicester Space Centre
To the south, in the city of Leicester, you can visit the National Space Centre. The home of Space Studies in the UK, this museum has hands-on exhibits as well as genuine space hardware.
3. National Trust properties
The National Trust has a number of properties of interest in and around Nottinghamshire.
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Section 2
Lincoln Cathedral Walking up the aptly named Steep Hill, past the 12th century façades of the “House of Aaron” and “The Jew’s House”, you begin to understand why the cathedral of Lincoln so dominates the city. The oldest part of Lincoln Cathedral, the west façade, dates back to the 11th century. However, the building has had an
* The Chapter house where the Cathedral held meetings of representatives from the diocese. * The Armed Forces chapel dedicated to sailors, soldiers and airmen. Official website: http://lincolncathedral.com
eventful history including earthquakes and tower collapses which mean that the cathedral we see today is the result of several centuries work. The cathedral is built in the Primitive Gothic style and has many features of interest. You can get a more detailed insight into the building by taking one of the roof tours (see weblink for details). Some of the other highlights include: * The stained glass, known as “The Bishop’s Eye”, which contains glass from the 13th and 14th centuries. * The Angels’ Choir, finished in 1280, with its cheeky sculpture of an imp! * The Cloister with its wooden roof bosses from 1300. 156
Section 3
The National Space Centre The 42 metre glass “chrysalis” tower of the National Space
Finally, why not take a ride in the “Tranquility Base” 3D simulator
Centre is visible from a long way off as you approach Leicester’s
and experience travel in a spaceship travelling to Jupiter’s moon,
most high-tech attraction. This space museum is associated
Europa.
with the UK’s Space Research Centre. The Centre has a selection of space hardware on display: a Russian Soyuz spacecraft (the only known example in western Europe), a replica of the Columbus module from the International Space Station. The tall tower houses a Blue Streak and a
Distance from Nottingham: 28 miles Getting there: The National Space Centre is located just off the A6, two miles north of Leicester City Centre, between the inner and outer ring roads.
PGM-17 Thor rocket - suspended above the restaurant!
Satnav postcode: LE4 5NS
As well as the hardware there is a dome cinema - the Sir Patrick
Official website: http://www.spacecentre.co.uk
Moore planetarium - showing specially produced films as you recline and look up. There is even a sample of genuine Moon rock! There are also six interactive galleries with hands-on exhibits looking at spacesuits, living in space, searching for extraterrestrials, our own solar system and satellites around earth. You can even record your own world weather forecast using green-screen technology and the latest graphics. Some of these even get displayed on the National Space Centre’s website!
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Section 4
English Heritage properties English Heritage manages Hardwick Old Hall which is on the same site as Hardwick Hall (see following page) owned by the National Trust. The Old Hall was the home of Bess of Hardwick before she built the “new”, albeit 16th century, Elizabethan hall. After she moved into Hardwick Hall, the Old Hall was used as guest and service accommodation. The Old Hall no longer has a roof but visitors can follow an audio tour and climb up four floors within the shell of the old building. From these upper levels you get amazing views of the new hall, beautiful interior plasterwork and across the Derbyshire countryside. An indication of Bess of Hardwick’s wealth is that she finished the construction of the Old Hall in 1591, aged 70 years old, and almost immediately started work on the New Hall. This second Hall was completed in 1597. Unusually for the period Bess lived until the age of 87! English Heritage’s Old Hall: www.english-heritage.org.uk/ daysout/properties/hardwick-old-hall/
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Section 5
National Trust properties The National Trust has a number of properties in or close to Nottinghamshire (distances from Nottingham in brackets). The following web links will give you full details of each: Nottinghamshire Clumber Park: Parkland, heath and woods. (18 miles) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park/ The Workhouse: A 19th century workhouse (10 miles) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/workhouse-southwell/ Mr Straw’s House: An unchanged 1920s house (21miles) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mr-straws-house/ Leicestershire Staunton Harold Church: A 17th century church (21 miles) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/staunton-harold-church/
Derbyshire Hardwick Hall : A great 16th century house. (13 miles) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick/ Kedleston Hall: An 18th century mansion (18 miles) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kedleston-hall/ Calke Abbey: An eccentric’s country house (20miles) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey/ Lincolnshire Grantham House: A townhouse with walled garden (15 miles) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/grantham-house/
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With thanks to... • Nottinghamshire County Council. Visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk • The City of Nottingham • Newark & Sherwood District Council • Experience Nottinghamshire • The Diocese Of Southwell and Nottingham • The Vicar and Churchwardens of St Mary’s Church • JMS Photography at Nottingham Forest Football Club • Notts County Football Club • The Galleries of Justice & City of Caves, part of the Egalitarian Trust (registered Charity 1030554) • English Heritage • Creswell Crags Museum and Heritage Centre • Lincoln Cathedral • The National Space Centre ..... and especially Giancarlo and Paola Merigo!
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Copyright
Š Les Churchman 2012 All text and images copyright Les Churchman unless otherwise attributed in text. clxi