Nottingham Castle, Nottingham
Nottingham Castle in the centre of Nottingham is built on a rocky outcrop called Castle Rock overlooking the River Trent.
The castle has been the scene of various important historical incidents over its long 1,000 year history.
History
The original castle dates from just after the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
A motte-and-bailey fort was first constructed by the Normans here in 1068. This was replaced in stone during the reign of King Henry II (1133-1189) and consisted of the castle, royal apartments and hunting grounds, now The Park to the west.
In 1194, the castle was briefly besieged by King Richard I as he sought to regain his kingdom from his brother King John, after his return from the Crusades and imprisonment in Austria.
In 1330, the castle was again the scene of another important historical event. The young, 18-year-old King Edward III with a few followers entered the castle through a secret tunnel (the so-called "Mortimer's Hole") and staged a coup against his mother, Isabella of France, and her lover, Roger Mortimer. The pair had been responsible for the murder of Edward II, Isabella's husband and Edward's father. Mortimer was later executed while Isabella was spared and handsomely pensioned off.
Edward III strengthened the castle and also used it as a royal residence and as a prison for political enemies.
The castle was also the scene of various events during the English Civil War in the 1640's before being partially destroyed soon after.
In the 1670's Henry Cavendish, the second Duke of Newcastle built the grand Ducal Mansion on the ruins of the former Medieval fortress.
1831 Riots
By the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution Nottingham had some of the worst and most volatile slums in the country.
As a result of industrial unrest the mansion was set on fire during riots against the Duke of Newcastle's opposition to the Reform Act of 1832.
The property was then restored in the late 19th century and became the Nottingham Castle Museum, the first municipal art gallery outside London at the time.
Nottingham Castle Museum
The museum holds a rich and varied collection including fine art, archaeological finds, a local lace collection, paintings and costumes. The Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum was also on the grounds of the castle.
The whole site is now undergoing a huge renovation made possible by a generous National Lottery grant. It is hoped the castle will reopen to visitors some time in late 2020 or early 2021.
Access
Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Lenton Road
Nottingham
NG1 6EL
www: nottinghamcastle.org.uk
Nottingham Castle is located in the center of Nottingham on a promontory near the River Trent.
Using public transport take a tram from Nottingham Station to Old Market Square Tram Stop and then it is a 10-minute walk. However, it is just as quick and cheaper to walk from the station.
The iconic Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem stands at the foot of the castle close to Brewhouse Yard and the Waterworks Building.
Map
Nottingham Related
Hotels
Nottingham has a wide range of accommodation options to choose from.
These include the four-star De Vere Orchard Hotel, adjacent to the East Midlands Conference Centre, the centrally-located Hart's Hotel, also four stars, Jurys Inn Nottingham and the three-star Holiday Inn Nottingham at Castle Marina Park.
See a complete listing of hotels in Nottingham.
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