Index

Geography

Landmarks

Locals

Miscellaneous

The History of Nottingham

The Roman name for Nottingham was 'Tigguo Cobauc'. It meant 'a place of a cavy dwelling'.

The original name of Nottingham was Snottingaham.

'inga' means 'of the people' and 'ham' means 'home'. Snottingaham meant 'home of the people of Snott, because Snott was the local Chieftain.

Gradually over time the name was altered with the S and the a being dropped to give Nottingham its modern name.

Other places around the city have kept their original names. The Danish word for street was 'Gata' or 'Gate'. Many streets still have the name 'Gate' within them.

BarkerGate means leather tanner Making Street.

With constant attacks from invaders Nottingham became a key defensive town. William the Conqueror built a wooden castle on the rock outcrop in the centre of the city. As time went on the castle was rebuilt in stone and became a fortress for the Midlands.

Nottingham became a twin city for a time, with French borough and English borough. The Norman invaders lived in the French borough, and the Saxons lived in the English borough.

In 1086 there were 2000 people living in Nottingham.

The soft water supply found around the city was ideal for use in many industries and soon tanning (leather making), dyeing and brewing industries began.

The city grew in size and today about 290,000 people live here.

It still has a castle - rebuilt as a Stately home and museum - and has many new industries.

Boots the Chemist began in Nottingham, as did Raleigh Cycles.

Today Nottingham is the base for many national and worldwide companies.

Researched and Presented by Katie.