The largest city in the East Midlands, Nottingham has been an important
centre in the area since the Middle Ages. The old Saxon borough was
built around the area known today as the Lace Market and an adjoining
settlement developed around the Norman castle, famously occupied by the
Sheriff of Nottingham in the legendary Robin Hood stories. In later
centuries Nottingham became a major manufacturer of lace and several
other famous names in industry also made their home in Nottingham,
including Boots the chemists, Raleigh cycles and Player's the cigarette
manufacturers. The city also has a strong cultural legacy, associated
with writers such as D. H. Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe. With two
universities, many new industries and commercial developments, a new
tram system, and a UK sporting centre with the oldest professional
football team in the world, Notts County, and Nottingham Forest, and the
test cricket venue of Trent Bridge, Nottingham is a vibrant, modern
British city proud of its heritage including the Goose Fair which is
still held every year. This fascinating A-Z tour of Nottingham, its
interesting people, places and historic events, is fully illustrated and
will appeal to all those with an interest in this city in the East
Midlands.
