Nottingham is built on a layer of soft rock, called Sandstone. This rock is very easy to dig into, making it ideal for caves.
Before the Romans discovered the area people were already living within the rock, in caves that had been hollowed out – the Romans even named the area ‘Tigguo Cobauc’ which means ‘a place of cavy dwellings’.
In Saxon times, more caves were cut into the sandstone.
With the building of Nottingham Castle, and the development of houses and industry around it, caves were dug to create work and storage space. The most famous type of work that took place in the caves beneath the castle was Tanning, or leather making.
Locals also cut deep wells into the rock to allow them to find fresh water.
In the middle ages a tunnel entrance was dug from the bottom of the castle rock up into the castle itself. This passage was later used by supporters of King Edward III as a way to enter the castle and seize Roger Mortimer – who had been living in the castle. Once Mortimer had been arrested by the Kings Supporters, Edward III returned to the throne.
Beneath the castle is a small inn, The Trip to Jersualem Inn. This inn has many rooms cut into the rock to increase the size of the building.
Many other shops have used the caves as store rooms.
In more recent times the caves have been used as a safe place for the locals during World War II air raids.
Visitors to Nottingham can view the caves by visiting the castle and taking a trip down Mortimer’s Hole, or by visiting ‘The Caves Of Nottingham’ tourist attraction beneath the BroadMarsh Shopping Centre.
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