Nottingham
 Castles |
The self-styled 'Queen of the Midlands', Nottingham is justifiably considered one of England's most attractive cities. It has ancient origins, a colourful history, much fine architecture, unusual attractions and is beautifully situated. The city's growth was influenced by Saxons, Danes and Normans, and the Domesday Book of 1086 records Nottingham as being a flourishing trading community with its own mint. The city received its first charter from Henry II in 1155, and was made a city in 1897.
Nottingham Castle is built in an imposing position, on a rocky outcrop, high above the city. William the Conqueror built the original castle in 1068, after his success at Hastings. King Stephen twice rebuilt the castle during his turbulent reign; in 1194, Richard I laid siege to it, and his adversary, John, is reputed to have hung 28 Welsh boy hostages from its walls during a Welsh rebellion. Successive monarchs, especially in the 14/15th centuries made additional improvements and fortifications during its heyday. Edward IV proclaimed himself king there, and later, his brother Richard III, spent most of his reign at the castle, finally setting out in 1485 to meet his fate on Bosworth Field. When Charles I fled from London to assemble an army against his rebellious Parliament in 1642, he first raised his standard at Nottingham Castle; alas for the king less than 300 men rallied to his cause. The fate of Nottingham Castle rested with the victorious Parliamentarians, who sanctioned its demolition. The 1st Duke of Newcastle rebuilt the castle in 1674, and built the mansion house that stands today. However, Nottingham Castle's stormy days were still not over. The defeat of the Reform Bill in 1831 started riots in the town; the townspeople favoured the reform of Parliament but the Duke opposed it, this led the rioters to vent their fury on the castle and raised it to the ground. It remained an empty shell for 44 years until restored by the City Corporation in 1875, and opened as the City Museum and Art Gallery.
It is disappointing that so little of the medieval castle remains. The imposing gatehouse, built in the 13th century, is much restored, as is the outer bailey, stretching away to the southeast. Caves, running into the Castle rock, can be toured by appointment. At the base of Castle Rock is the famous Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn, dating back to 1189. Considered to be the oldest inn in England, it was once the brewhouse for the castle, where Crusaders, setting out for the Holy Land, purchased their ale. Close by is the Brewhouse Yard Museum, housed in four 17th century cottages, depicting everyday life upto the 1990's - there are furnished rooms and a series of shops in the Victorian style. The Castle Museum is especially noted for its fine collection of Victorian paintings, silverware and ceramics. The Salutation Inn, built in 1240, was originally the guesthouse of a priory.
Nottingham was deeply involved in the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, Richard Arkwright setting up his first spinning mill there, using his spinning frame, in 1769. Since the 17th century, a thriving cottage industry of hosiery and knitwear had existed. However, it could not compete with the new sophisticated inventions of the Industrial Revolution, and the cottagers were barely able to scrape a living. In 1811 they banded together and destroyed many of the new machines that had caused their misery. The gangs became known as Luddites, after their leader Ned Ludd, probably an imaginary character. Nottingham is renowned for its lace making, and this is reflected in the city's historic Lace Market, where the Lace Hall, housed in a restored chapel, depicts the evolution of lace making from cottage industry to huge textile mills. Opposite the Trip to Jerusalem is the Lace Centre, housed in a charming medieval building; here, visitors can buy from a selection of high quality lace.
The Sheriff's Lodge has become one of Nottingham's premier attractions. Its interior reconstructs the Middle Ages, more precisely 1193; with King Richard at the Crusades, John is on the throne, and we see the evil Sheriff of Nottingham having a banquet. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, authentic medieval meals and ales are provided, medieval dress can be hired, and professional actors and musicians entertain with traditional old English music, singing and jesting.
Nottingham also plays host to the famous Goose Fair, held on the first Thursday of October, and lasting three days. The name of the fair came from the large flocks of geese sold here in medieval times, and it received a mention in a charter dated 1284.