Here are some facts about Nottingham.
- Nottingham is a city in the county of Nottinghamshire, in the East Midlands area of the UK. At the time of writing, it is the UK’s 9th largest city, with a population of about 730,000.
- The city’s most famous resident was the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood, who was probably a real person. Many streets, buildings and institutions are named after Robin, and there are several Robin Hood festivals and events.
- In nearby Sherwood Forest is the Major Oak tree. With a girth of 10 metres, it is England’s largest oak tree and it is said that Robin Hood hid in the tree.
- Nottingham is the birthplace of two of the UK’s most well known brands, Raleigh bicycles, and Boots the chemist. A local grocer also invented HP Sauce in 1895, named for the Houses of Parliament.
- An historic Nottingham neighbourhood is the Lace Market, once a major centre for lace making. The area is home to shops and restaurants as well as a 22 seat cinema, one of the world’s smallest.
- Nottingham has some of England’s oldest pubs, including the Trip to Jerusalem, dating from 1189. In the bar is a model ship, and supposedly anyone who cleans it will die.
- Nottingham’s famous Goose Fair dates back to the 13th century and is one of the UK’s oldest and largest fairs. Over a million people enjoy the rides, food and sideshows every October.
- Nottingham Castle dates from the 17th century and was built on 40 metre high sandstone cliffs. The castle appeared on the logo of Players Cigarettes, once made in Nottingham.
- The book and film Saturday Night and Sunday Morning were both set in Nottingham, and there are over 100 film versions of the Robin Hood story.
- There are many caves under Nottingham, mostly man-made. One of the most famous is Mortimer’s Cave, under Nottingham Castle, said to be haunted by local nobleman Roger Mortimer.
