Nottingham and its Surrounds

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History 

Historical

People immediately associate the city of Nottingham with the legend of Robin Hood. It was in romantic Sherwood Forest to the north of Nottingham - which by the way has kept its magical appeal right up until today - that the most famous of all the outlaws is said to have lived. There he robbed the rich merchants and the king's tax collectors in order to give money to the poor and downtrodden. Today, over 700 years later, the spirit of Robin Hood continues to live in countless ballads, stories, legends, plays and films. And the position of Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin's arch enemy at that time, still exists, too.
Robin Hood
The region's most popular historical tourist attraction, The Tales of Robin Hood, is situated in the heart of vibrant, historical Nottingham, UK - making it an ideal day's destination.
Sherwood Forest Trust
World famous as the legendary home of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is also an ecologically important home to some of Europe's greatest trees.
The Major Oak
The Major Oak of Sherwood Forest, England, the most famous living tree in the world which once used to shelter Robin Hood and his band of Merrie Men. Learn how to obtain your own Major Oak clone.

Industry 

Industrial

Nottingham's industrial heritage is founded on lace. Nottingham led the way pioneering the great lace making machines that took its production from the cottages to the factories. Its fascinating story is told at the Museum of Nottingham Lace. It is located in what was the hub of the world's 19th century lace industry an area still known today as the Lace Market. One of Nottingham's oldest buildings, the Severns building, is home to the Lace Centre, the perfect place to buy your lace souvenirs.

The Museum of costume and textiles also pays testament to the changing face of fashion and the textile industry over the centuries which has and still does play a big part in city life.
The LaceMarket Nottingham
Famous world wide, the story of Nottingham lace begins in the very heart of the Lace Market. Established in the 6th Century as the original site of Nottingham town, the area was fortified in the 9th Century and remained a thriving commercial centre until th 18th century.
Virtual Lace Collections
The fascination for lace is International and whether your interest is Lace History, lessons, patterns, Virtual Collections or Lace Guilds there will be something for you at this web site.
Raleigh Bicycles
No mention of local industry would be complete without a reference to Raleigh bicycles. The name Raleigh bacame synonymous with Nottingham. Founded in 1887 they were once the largest manufacturer of bicycles in the world. Every part of the bicycle was hand made and hand assembled. Sadly this was the main cause of their eventual downfall.

Cycling 

Pre Lance Armstrong

Sir Frank Bowden purchased an interest in a small bicycle company on Raleigh Street, Nottingham.

Taking its name from the street, the Raleigh Bicycle Company was formed in 1890.

In 1897 A.A. "Zimmy" Zimmerman becomes Raleigh's first world cycling champion. A fun-loving, agreeable character, Zimmerman changed amateur racing from a sport for the wealthy to a sport with universal appeal.

People were fascinated with "Zimmy's" effortless victories and bursts of incredible speed, where on the last lap he would surge forward to defeat his competitors.

Zimmy didn't just stop at winning races and wowing the crowds. After retiring from the world of bicycle racing he settled down in his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey (USA) and began making bikes of his own. His most popular model was called the "Zimmy".

In 1980 , Joop Zoetemelk of Holland riding for TI Raleigh Creda wins the Tour De France in a time of 109 hours, 19 minutes and 14 seconds, beating countryman Hennie Kuiper and Raymond Martin of France.

Zoetemelk achieved this won after recovering from a near fatal skull fracture the previous year which doctors said would put an end to his career in the professional race arena. He gained the Championship of the World in 1985 an also finished second in the Tour de France six times.

Great Local Golf Courses 

Personal favourites of the Lensmaster near and around Nottingham

There are golf courses to suit all tastes within reasonable travelling distance of Nottingham. They vary from championship courses to some of the best heathland courses in the country. There are also a few "hidden gems"
The Belfry
The Belfry is probably most famous for hosting the Ryder Cup on the Brabazon course on four occasions.
The Derby course is suitable for every standard of golfer but the PGA National course is more challenging.
There are lots of other facilities if your partner is a non-golfer.
Look out for deep-discounting of green fees in the winter.
Notts Golf Club
Notts Golf Club is normally known as Hollinwell where it is situated.It is arguably the best heathland course north of London. Lots of gorse, glorious views and over 7000 yards long off the championship tees it is a joy to play
Lindrick Golf Club
Although in Yorkshire Lindrick Golf Club is still close to Nottinghamshire. It really is a gem. Founded in 1891 it has hosted many professional events including the Ryder Cup.

It is largely a heathland course where accuracy is at a premium and the greens are lightning fast. Due to its excellent natural drainage it is a wonderful course to play in Winter.
Luffenham Heath Golf Course
South of Nottingham in Rutland is Luffenham Heath Golf course. It is a typical James Braid designed course with small expertly guarded greens.Accuracy is a must. Many of the holes have a flavour of Gleneagles about them.
It is an area of Special Scientific Interest and is adorned with a wealth of trees and is a haven for wildlife, flora and fauna.
Charnwood Forest Golf Club
Founded in 1890 Charnwood Forest Golf Club has been described as the oldest,friendliest and most picturesque in Leicestershire. The location is a botanist and geologists dream.

Although only a nine hole course and inspite of having no bunkers, golf here is never dull. Dry stone walls, ditches, heather, gorse, bracken and the occasional boulder are hazards enough.

Midlands Writers 

Nottingham Novelists

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Great Stuff on Amazon 

Famous Writers with links to Nottingham

Byron;: A biography

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The complete poetical works of Lord Byron (The Cambridge edition of the poets)

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The Rainbow (Modern Library Classics)

Amazon Price: $8.58 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Peter Pan (100th Anniversary Edition)

Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

Quality Street: A Comedy

Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 12/11/2009) Buy Now

New BBC 

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by SansFaim

A Scot living in England. I have lived and worked in the Nottingham area for the last 30 years.

My lens is to try and introduce you to some of the famo...

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