Last Sunday I went to Nottingham with my boyfriend, with an intention to visit the City of Caves. I've been to Nottingham a few times before, however, I've never got a chance to explore and find out more about the underground history of this city.
As usual, we have walked around the city centre first, exploring the Old Market Square, which is the second largest square in the United Kingdom often used to hold large local events, fairs, exhibitions and concerts.
I wouldn't be myself if I didn't grab a cup of cappuccino. We went to Costa due to one important reason: it had a view on the beautiful Market Square. Although I could stare out the window for ages looking at busy life passing by, we had to leave in order to make it on time for our booked tour around City of Caves situated beneath Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. Sadly, the tourist access to caves turned out to be very limited, however, it was enough to get to know a lot of interesting facts about the life that took place there in the past.
A lovely tour guide Hannah took us on a 45-minute journey underneath the streets of Nottingham. During the tour, I found out how the caves were used for a multitude of purposes over the centuries. Hannah told us that none of the caves was formed naturally. They were created artificially using hand tools after it was discovered that sandstone ridge that Nottingham sits upon is soft and easily dug. People have lived and worked in them for over 1,000 years until 1845 when the St. Mary's Enclosure Act banned the renting of the cellars and caves as homes for the poor. Nottingham's caves were also used as a tannery, in use between 1500 and 1640. It was a place where leather shoes, belts, gloves, armour and bottles were being made.
An interesting fact was also that the caves were used during the Second World War as an air-raid shelter to protect people from the bombs which descended upon the city that time.
Photos by Sokolowsky
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