United Kingdom, Nottingham

Nottingham is one of the charming cities in UK nestles in Nottinghamshire. Nottingham, the regional capital of the East Midlands, is famous around the world for many things - from fine lace to football, from Robin Hood and the Sheriff to household names such as the Boots Company and Raleigh Industries.

The place is known for the famous semi-mythical Robin Hood a figure in the archetypal English folk tales. The city presents a unique blend of old and new with many pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels showcasing the party life of the place.

History

Nottingham city thus shares a great history dating back to 7th century AD. The city of Nottingham dates back to Saxon times when a settlement was first founded at a strategic crossing point of the River Trent.

This original settlement was built on top of a hill overlooking a valley and, believe it or not, was called Snotingham!

The major city of Nottingham has been called the "Queen of the Midlands," and has long been recognized as a manufacturing center for lace and hosiery.

The first castle was built in Nottingham by William the Conqueror in 1067, and remains a landmark of the city.

In the 11th century a castle was constructed on a sandstone outcrop by the River Trent and a town grew around the castle. The cave network was substantially expanded and became home to a large proportion of the poorer populace, particularly those involved in the tanning industry.

The city became a county corporate in 1448, giving it effective self-government.

By the standards of the time Nottingham was a large and important town. For the well-to-do it was elegant and genteel (although, as always, there were many poor people). In the 18th century there was a piped water supply although it was expensive and not many people could afford it.

A major industry in the 19th century was lace-making, with Nottingham lace becoming famous. While some lace-making still goes on in the city, it is no longer of much economic significance.

Geography

The city is located well in the East Midlands of England. Nottingham is situated on the River Trent which flows from Trent to the Humber. Although administered separately, the city of Nottingham remains geographically part of Nottinghamshire. The unitary authority has an area of 75 sq km (29 sq mi).

Demographics

Nottingham has a population of over 273900, although there are over 600,000 people living in the Greater Nottingham area.

Nottingham is often described as a “student city” with a student population of 51,000 and an international student population of 6,000. With a lively social centre the nightlife in Nottingham is 7 days week.

Perhaps not being discrete, Nottingham is also internationally known for the high ratio of females to males.

Economy

Nottingham is a transport centre located in a coal-mining region that has declined. For centuries Nottingham has been noted for the production of lace. The principal industries today are textiles, pharmaceuticals, food-manufacturing, cigarette production, bicycle manufacturing, engineering, and telecommunications.

Nottingham has benefited from millions of pounds of new investment which has transformed the city and the economy. There are more than 50 international companies who have located their regional and national headquarters and Nottingham including Boots, Experian, Capital One, Speedo and Siemens.

Nottingham is one of the country's top three retail centres.

Culture

Cultural life in Nottingham City thrives. So much so, that the Royal Hall is the second home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, whilst the Playhouse is nationally renowned for its innovative drama productions. With 400 practicing artists, a figure higher relative to the UK population, Nottingham’s status as a European cultural hub is easily identifiable.

The modern city of Nottingham is a vibrant, culturally diverse community with a fine variety of pubs, clubs and restaurants. There are more than 300 places to eat and drink in Nottingham city centre alone. It has two major theatres, several music venues and art galleries that often recieve national attention.

Sports

The city provided more sporting facilities per head than any other European City. Coupled with the numerous swimming pools, gyms, leisure centres there is Nottinghamshire Cricket Club, Nottingham Ice Centre and Nottingham Tennis Centre and 2 football league teams in Nottingham Forest and Notts County.

Nottingham is famous for its two professional football teams, rugby union, cricket and ice hockey teams. Facilities in the region include the National Ice Arena, the unrivalled facilities of the National Water Sports Centre which offers international rowing and canoeing facilities, and one of Europe’s largest Lawn Tennis Association tennis centres.

Transportation

Nottingham offers a wealth of transportation facilities. The forthcoming new 167m-tramline service NET (Nottingham express transport) is in its final stages of development and aims to significantly improve public accessibility in Nottingham while reducing traffic congestion.

The mainline train station, Nottingham Station is located on Station Street and there are many places for train access including those of Mansfield and Newark. All large stations have the appropriate facilities with cash points, car parks, taxi ranks, public telephone booths, toilets with baby-changing facilitates, waiting rooms and refreshment areas.

Public transport provides fast access to many of the country’s major cities, including London. Major international airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester are only a train or coach trip away and offer international flights to destinations all around the world.

Nottingham East Midlands airport is only 20 minutes away from the city and offers many flights within Europe.