Nottingham is one of the UK's biggest cities, yet not a lot of people truly know about it. Many of you have probably heard about it a couple of times, but do you truly know about this fascinating metropolis? Probably not, right? Before you decide to visit or even relocate to Nottingham, you might want to learn some of the most interesting things about the city. They include its association with the legend of Robin Hood, its one-of-a-kind Goose Fair, and the many celebrities who were born here. You'd be surprised at how fascinating Nottingham truly is and how much it has given to Britain and the rest of the world.
One of The Biggest Cities in England
Nottingham is one of the biggest cities in England. It ranks as the 14th largest metropolis among the country's 55 cities, as well as the 82nd overall in the entire European continent. With a general population of over 300,000 residents, Nottingham also ranks among the most populous cities in the UK. This is rather interesting considering that the city itself is fairly near the
English countryside and is one of Britain's most provincial metropolises.
This was Robin Hood's Hometown
Anyone remotely interested in the legend of Robin Hood should know Nottingham. The city is where the famed archer and swordsman and his “merry men” stole from the rich to give to the poor. The nearby Nottingham is also where he and his band of brigands purportedly hid from King John and the town officials. Now, though the tale of Robin Hood is largely believed to be untrue, aficionados and enthusiasts can still take a tour of “Robin Hood Town” in Nottingham to walk the same steps that the hero took himself.
The Major Oak Actually Exists in Nottingham
A definite stop in Nottingham's Robin Hood tour will be the famous Major Oak in the middle of Sherwood Forest. And yes, this tree
actually exists! Said to have been the main hideaway of Robin Hood and his merry men, the historic landmark has come to symbolize the good deeds of the legendary hero. Fortunately, the Major Oak is also located near the village of Edwinstowe, one of
Nottingham's suburbs, so you don't have to look too hard through a literal forest to get to this famous tree.
Which Celebrities are From Nottingham?
Apart from Robin Hood—who, again, was not a real person—Nottingham has produced other (real-life) celebrities. Most famously, the legendary Romantic poet Lord Byron's ancestral home is in the city. Though the historic figure himself was born and lived most of his life in London, he also spent considerable time in his family's hometown. Sir Paul Smith, one of the most prolific menswear designers, also came from here. As did iconic musicians Iron Maiden's frontman Bruce Dickinson, Deep Purple's drummer Ian Paice, and singer-songwriter Jake Bugg.
Thank Nottingham for Controlled Traffic
You may not know the name 'John Peake,' but this is a historic figure who has contributed a lot to the world at large. And yes, much like the more-famous celebrities mentioned earlier, he also came from Nottingham. So, who is John Peake? He was a British railway manager who created the first basic system for controlling traffic. It's through this that the traffic lights were eventually invented. He may not have directly invented the red, yellow, and green lights posted on streets today, but he undoubtedly set the precedent for it.
The City was Once called Snotingham
Yes, you read that right! Nottingham was almost named “Snotingham.” In fact, the city was even referred to as such during its earliest days. An Anglo-Saxon tribe called the Snotingas directly ruled the city back in 600 AD. There are even historic documents that refer to the city as Snotingham, while the tribe itself was referred to as the “snot people.” Fortunately, the name changed to what it is now centuries later. Thank goodness locals and residents who just
moved to Nottingham don't have anything to do with 'snot' anymore.
The English Civil War began in Nottingham
Also known as the “Great Rebellion,” the English Civil War was a major series of armed conflicts that took place from 1642 to 1651. It was a result of an intense power struggle between King Charles I and Parliament, and for the uninformed, most of the major events happened here in Nottingham. The first battle happened near Nottingham Castle, King Charles I eventually surrendered at Newark, and he was initially confined at Southwell, all of which are part of the many suburbs and
neighborhoods in Nottingham. Talk about a historic city
Discover The Famous Goose Fair
Most people know of Nottingham's Goose Fair as a massive fun fair nowadays. Typically held in the first week of October, the festival features thrilling carnival rides, fun games, lively concerts, great snacks, and more. It always offers a fun time for the entire family, even if you can only spend one
day in Nottingham. It's also a world away from what it used to be: an annual trade fair of geese. True to its name, farmers in the city used the event to purchase and trade their geese, among other livestock, as well as their homegrown and homemade products.
Ibuprofen was Discovered in Nottingham
The basic traffic controlling system that eventually led to the invention of the traffic lights isn't the only global entity that has its roots in Nottingham. Fascinatingly, Ibuprofen was also discovered in the city. Today, Ibuprofen serves as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to treat mild pains and discomforts. It was and still is a revolution in medicine, and the world has Nottingham to thank for its invention. Specifically, Dr. Stewart Adams developed the drug when he was working in the famous Boots store (another famous thing that came from the city) in Nottingham.
Nottingham Hosts The Biggest Antique Fair in Europe
Antique fans, rejoice! Nottingham hosts the biggest antique fair in Europe. The Newark Antiques Fair is held six times a year at the Newark Showground, which is not too far from Nottingham's city center. Though Newark itself is technically a separate, smaller town from Nottingham, most visitors and antique sellers/traders alike stay or even live in the big city. Considering that both towns are also some of the oldest in all of the UK, you're sure to find the rarest pieces here.
It’s a shame that many people don't realize just how fascinating Nottingham truly is. Beyond its countryside appeal and historic beauty, the city has given so much to the UK and the rest of the world. Learn more about its most fascinating tidbits.
