Visiting two iconic men in Nottingham, UK

Nottingham is a city in the Midlands in UK about 180km north of London and is most famous for amongst other things, two men - Brian Clough and Robin Hood. Before I introduce you to these two men, let me first show you around Nottingham city center.

The Old Market Square

The heart of Nottingham is the Old Market Square, this is the second largest public square in UK after London's famous Trafalgar Square. Called the city's beating heart, each year it hosts major events such as the Riviera Beach every summer and the Christmas Winter Wonderland _source. The Council House dominates the square, particularly it's 200 feet high dome and the bell at the top which is affectionately called Little John by the locals.

Architecture around the city

During my brief stay at Nottingham I saw that it has a plethora of remarkable architecture. There is evidence of settlement here dating back to Roman times, though I doubt you and I will see this evidence on the streets. Instead there were many really interesting buildings ranging from the medieval times to the pre-industrial years.

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Other interesting sights

I wandered around a little, and saw King Street and Queen Street facing off one another

Walked past one of the oldest pubs in the city, which dates back to 1240. The guy who sat outside gave me a friendly greeting 🤣

And I had to do a double back here to check, someone please come and help the little baby!!!

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Nottingham castle

During the Norman Conquest, a wooden castle was built in Nottingham, and this was later replaced by a stone castle in the 12th century. It's located in an elevated position, crucial in the old days as it was used as a fort. I had a peek from the outside and the castle didn't seem very big. Since it cost £13 to go inside I was only on a short visit, I didn't go inside.

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Robin Hood

Walking up the little slope to Nottingham Castle was a tad strenuous for us lazy buggers who don't normally do any exercise. But even if you don't go to see the Castle it's still worth coming, because you have to come and see one of Nottingham's most iconic man - Robin Hood.

Robin Hood is one of England's the best known folklore, the legendary outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Legend has it that Robin Hood was a skilled archer who lived around Nottingham Forest, and dates back to the 14th century, but some say it could be as early as the 12th century. His actions have given Nottingham a reputation as a Rebel City for being a place where the locals will stand up for what they believe and support each other. _source

The Robin Hood statue is located outside Nottingham Castle, if you're ever in town, don't forget to drop by to say hello.

Brian Clough

The second iconic man associated with Nottingham is Brian Clough. I've been meaning to write this post about Nottingham for a while and I finally figured today would be a good day to do it because of Brian Clough. Back in the mid 70s to early 80s, Brian Clough was Nottingham Forest football club's manager. Under Clough's leadership, Forest won the European Cup two years in a row in 1979 and 1980. Only two English clubs have achieved this.

This period was Forest's heyday, but sadly that didn't last. In the 90s Forest was relegated from the Premier League three times, the last time being 1999, and that's where they stayed for more than two decades. Forest was finally promoted back to the Premier League this season, and this weekend just gone, they played home for the first time in the Premier League for a long time. The result? They won!!! I'm sure Brian Clough would be jumping and down with joy in his coffin!

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