Nottingham


Hosiery and lace were the foundations upon which Nottingham's properity was built. The stockings came first - a knitting machine for these had been invented by a Nottinghamshire man as early as 1589. In fact, the entire history of lacemaking is beautifully explained in converted row of Georgian terraces. Nottingham is not complete without the mention of Robin Hood, the partly mythical figure whose statue is in the castle grounds. Although the castle itself has Norman foundations, the present structure is largely Victorian. It is now a museum.

At the heart of the Robin Hood legend is the magnificant former Royal Hunting Forest of Sherwood. Today it is a County Park and Visitor Centre with 400 acres of ancient oaks including the mightly 'Major Oak - Robin Hood's favourite hideout. Unfortunately, we do not have time to visit it.

Nottingham is also famous for its network of 700 years old man-made caves which have been previously used as dwelling places, storage rooms, pub cellows, a unique underground Medieval leather tannery and more recently, as air-raid shelters during World War 2.

My husband, Victor, posing beside the statue of Robin Hood, situated in the castle ground..
Autumn in the Castle grounds. 
In front of the Nottingham Castle museum and art gallery with its commanding views of the city. The museum houses a magificant art gallery, the 'Story of Nottingham' exhibition, an exciting gallery entitles 'The Circle of life', and a craft shop.
Outside the castle gate. 
A dwelling place inside a 700 years old man-made cave, situated beneath the Broad Marsh Shopping Centre. The 'Caves of Nottingham' opened as a visitor attraction in Aug 1994. This unique set of man-made caves was almost lost forever when the modern shopping centre was built. The local voluntary groups saved the caves which are now open to give us a tanalising glimpse into Nottingham's fascinating past. 


Last updated on 1 July 98 by Phyllis Chong