Nottingham Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Nottingham

Nottingham was known only as "The Place of Caves" in 600 AD. A Saxon chief named Snot ruled "Snotingaham", or, "the home of Snot's people." It was part of Danelaw in the 7th century, administered from a stone Hall on High Pavement, the first street of Nottingham.

In 1068 Norman invaders built a wooden motte-and-bailey fortress on a high sandstone promontory. William Peverel was granted a charter by William the Conqueror that included manors and lands around the fortress. Peverel established a French section next to a Saxon settlement. The empty land between became the Market Square of Nottingham.

Nottingham shall forever be connected to the names of Richard the Lionheart, King John, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and above all, Robin Hood. When Richard returned from the Crusades in 1194, he besieged King John and the Sheriff in Nottingham Castle. In legend, the castle is also the scene of the final struggle of the Sheriff and Robin Hood.

Nottingham Castle was changed to a stone fortress by Henry II. In 1651 it was destroyed in the Civil War. In 1660 it was rebuilt as the ducal Manor of Lord Cavendish. It is presently an art gallery and museum.

Medieval sights are preserved in the compact Old City area: Three churches, St Mary's, St Peter's and St Nicholas predate the Tudor era. Three pubs are even older: The Bell Inn, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, and Ye Olde Salutation may be the oldest operating pubs in Britain. The whole place is honey-combed with ancient caves and tunnels.

Nottingham's Market Square is the nexus of the city. Here is the neo-Baroque Council House with its 200 foot dome. The Lace Market area holds St Mary's Church, the Victorian Adams Building, the National Justice Museum and Historic High Pavement.

Medieval and modern are alive within walking distance of the Market Square: Dining, shopping, museums, the arboretum, the churches, cinema and theatre. Take a walk in merry, busy, Nottingham.