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Associated with the legend of Robin Hood, this famous city lies in the southern region of Nottinghamshire. The city was originally called Snotengaham, named by the Saxon tribe who founded the settlement around 600 AD. The territory was part of Mercia for over two hundred years when Danish Vikings took control in 867 AD. The Danes were overthrown by the Normans.
The first Nottingham castle was constructed by the River Leen in 1067. A town grew around the castle and Nottingham soon became an English borough, having a town hall and a court system. In the twelfth century, Richard the Lionheart was King of England. Some believe that when Richard was fighting in the crusades, Prince John assumed command of the castle. Upon Richard's return in 1194, the king recaptured the fortress.
Nottingham became a major centre for religious sculpture, as craftsmen carved symbols out of alabaster in the 1400s. During these years, the borough incorporated and was self-governed. The population continued growing along with various trades. The Industrial Revolution of the 1700s birthed a major textile industry. Lace was an important product manufactured in Nottingham.
The poorly planned, immense population growth caused extreme poverty for some. In 1831, the underprivileged in Nottingham joined forces and revolted against the local government, setting fire to the castle. The textile industry lasted until after WWII, as manufacturers could not compete with prices and quantities offered by Asia or the Far East. Other industries eventually developed to accommodate the loss. The crown formally recognised Nottingham as a city in 1897.
Activities and Attractions
The current Nottingham castle was constructed in the seventeenth century. The estate houses a museum and art gallery. Visitors not only tour the fortress and matrix of tunnels below, but also explore millenniums of history displayed in numerous collections that include costumes, pottery and paintings.
Newstead Abbey House and Gardens started as a monastery when first constructed in the late twelfth century. The immense structure is surrounded by 121 scenic hectares (300 acres) of lawns, sculpted gardens and water features that include a lake, ponds and waterfalls. The mansion architecture includes elaborate rock carvings inside and out, while the interior contains lavish decor and furnishings through the Victorian era. The estate was once the home of famed poet Lord Byron, and proudly displays the writer's personal belongings.
The Galleries of Justice provides a glimpse of crimes and punishments occurring throughout the timeline of Nottingham. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn of the most infamous criminal of all, Robin Hood himself. The facility offers self-guided and re-enactment tours, ghost and mystery murder dinners, and the chance to attend the trial of Robin Hood.
Beneath the city, a maze of sandstone caves exist. The locals used these tunnels for cold storage, tanning trades, primitive toilets and later, as air raid shelters. Some believe tunnel systems run throughout the depths of Nottingham, connecting one location to another. Archaeological excavation continues finding new passageways.
Places to Stay and Dining
Nottingham accommodations include upscale hotels, centrally located and within walking distance to ancient or modern day attractions.
Guests may venture from the hotel to the Petit Paris French restaurant. The facility offers fine dining at affordable prices with traditional dishes that include coq au vin and filet mignon.
Accommodation in Nottingham
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