The Queen of the Midlands, England

Nottingham – Castle and PubsThe castle provided a rallying point for Charles 11
Nottingham is getting some bad press recently withduring the English Civil War. Charles erected the Royal
inner city problems of gun crime and burglary. WhilstStandard near the castle to mark the beginning of
there is no doubt these problems exist, Nottinghamthe war. A stone in the centre of the roadway at
remains for me a great city full of interesting placesStandard Hill marks the spot.
to see both old and new.There are a labyrinth of caves and tunnels under the
Nottingham is located in the centre of England and iscastle. The most famous of these is Mortimer's Hole
often referred to as The Queen of The Midlands.where this usurper to the throne of Edward 111 was
The City has always been strategically important.captured and later executed.
Nottinghamshire countryside provided good huntingThe original castle was all but destroyed. What you
grounds for Kings and the forest provided goodsee today is a seventeenth century mansion built on
shelter for outlaws most notably the famous Robintop of the original site. Since the late nineteenth
Hood. Although much of the forest has disappearedcentury it has been a museum of world renown,
now, Nottinghamshire still boasts some of the finesthousing thousands of artefacts and art collections.
woodlands in England with ancient oaks, the oldest ofWith its dungeons and children's activities Nottingham
these being the Major Oak. Legend has it that RobinCastle is well worth a visit.
Hood hid in the trunk of this very tree to escape theYe Olde Trip to Jerusalem
evil Sheriff of Nottingham.Carved out of the sandstone rock beneath
The city of Nottingham has a rich and colourfulNottingham Castle this is reputedly the oldest pub in
history. Here are just a couple of places to wet yourthe world. Established in 1189, the inn provided rest
appetite.and refreshment to the Crusaders of Richard the
Nottingham CastleLionheart during the 'Third Crusades'.
At the heart of the city stands Nottingham Castle,Walking inside is like taking a trip back in time. The
set on a rocky outcrop of sandstone high above thepub is associated with many fascinating legends which
city. The original castle was erected here by ordersyou can discover over a fine pint of 'real ale'. The pub
of William the Conqueror in 1067.is said to be haunted – you have been
Henry 1 later replaced the wooden structure with anwarned!
imposing stone castle. This was to remain forNottingham by Night
hundreds of years as one of the most importantWhether you want to relax with a drink and good
castles in England.conversation, take in a show or party the night away
The notorious Sheriff of Nottingham lived here when– Nottingham has it all!
Richard The Lionheart was on the 'Third Crusade',Forget the negative, visit Nottingham with an open
providing the setting for the legendary finalmind, a sense of humour and watch out for the
showdown between the Sheriff and the Robin Hood.famous Nottingham welcome "Hey up me Ducks"...