Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle
Friar Lane
Maid Marian Way (off)
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG1 6EL

Tel: 01159 153 700
E-Mail: nottingham.castle@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Web: Nottingham Castle

About Nottingham Castle

A 17th Century Ducal mansion, once a medieval stronghold, Nottingham Castle has had a turbulent past.

Now home to an internationally renowned art gallery, which has housed exhibitions such as Andy Warhol, Waking Dreams, a collection of Pre-Raphaelite masters and Picturing Britain; Paul Sandy along with the prestigious British Art Show.

The Museum in the Castle was the first out of London in 1878 and has a vast collection of decorative arts including ceramics, silver, glass and jewellery.

The grounds play host to a number of large scale events throughout the year, including the Robin Hood Pageant in October. Discover the hidden caves beneath the Castle.

Joint admission ticket with Museum of Nottingham Life.

Nottingham Castle's History

Nottingham Castle has a rich and varied history. A stunning Ducal Palace stands proudly on the site where a medieval castle once stood. Whilst it may not be a traditional castle, this fabulous building is still every bit as precious.

Standing high on Castle Rock overlooking the city, Nottingham Castle is visited by over 270,000 visitors each year!

Many visitors question where the castle is, as they expect to find a traditional English castle. Instead they find the first Duke of Newcastle's Ducal Palace. However, the prospect house that remains is as precious as any historic structure in the country and is unique and enchanting in its own right. The building is protected by Grade One listed status, whilst Castle Rock and the cave system within it, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The History of Nottingham Castle

1067 - William the Conqueror builds the first Castle on the site, a wooden structure built upon the vantage point of the Castle rock.

1170 - The Castle is rebuilt in stone by Henry II. It is now the principal royal fortress in the Midlands.

1194 - Richard The Lionheart reclaims Nottingham Castle from his brother John using siege tactics. This is the only time in the Castle's history that an occupier is defeated in such a way.

1330 - Roger Mortimer, lover of Queen Isabella, is captured by supporters of her son, King Edward III who enter the castle through a tunnel cut through the rock. The cave is known as Mortimer's Hole to this day and is a favourite spot with visitors.

1485 - Richard III leaves Nottingham Castle to ride to Bosworth where he dies in battle at the hands of Henry Tudor who claims the throne, becoming Henry VII.

1622 - James I sells Nottingham Castle to the Earl of Rutland.

1642 - Charles I raises his standard outside the castle walls, here beginning the Civil War. Ironically for most of the war the site is held by the opposing parliamentary forces under the command of Colonel Hutchinson.

1651 - Permission is given for Hutchinson to demolish Nottingham Castle.

1663 - William Cavendish, First Duke of Newcastle ,purchases the site. He begins work on a prospect house high on Castle Rock but dies before its completion. His son completes the work on this unique building in 1678.

1831 - The building is attacked and looted by rioters following the Duke of Newcastle's opposition to parliamentary reform. The Ducal Palace is gutted internally when arsonists vent their anger at the Duke. As a silent rebuke to the people of Nottingham the Duke leaves the ruined building un-repaired for 45 years.

The dates of history are continued on the website. (Please click web link to view more.)