England. Romance and sternness of Nottingham.

England has always been admiring people with its cold beauty and stern style. Like many years ago a spirit of aristocracy and earldom governs this country despite all the imprints of modern life. England numbers 80 metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties. Nottingham is an administrative centre of one of these counties situated near the river Trent. The Englishmen consider Nottingham their cultural capital. The city was found by the Saxons in the VII century, but it became a homeland for the Danes. At first Nottingham was called Snotingaham after Snot – one of the Saxon chieftains.  Then the letter “S” was lost and the name transformed into Nottingham. The city is surrounded by the picturesque Sherwood Forest famous for the adventures of Robin Hood. The monument in the city core reminds us of the great feats of this noble thief.

Nottingham is an important industrial centre. The most developed are electronic, textile and chemical industries. Financial and service industries also demonstrate rapid rates of growth.

The main attraction of Nottingham is Wollaton Hall. It is one of the six Renaissance palaces remained in England. Its architect Robert Smythson created a unique palace using the elements of Italian style. Other famous architectural monuments of Nottingham are the gothic Church of St Mary, Nottingham University, Nottingham Council House in classicism style of XVIII century, Art Gallery and Nottingham Castle of XI century. Before 1925 it was part of private ownership, but today it belongs to Nottingham government. Nowadays the Castle is a home for the polytechnic museum.

Nottingham has been famous for its brewery since XVIII-XIX centuries. The real judges of a good beer are always welcome in multiple Nottingham pubs in a style of that time. One of these pubs is considered the oldest in England. The city justifies the name of the cultural capital and often plays host to different festivals, exhibitions, concerts and other events. The most popular of them are: Lawrence festival, British Art Show, Goose fair, Big Ballet, as well as many other dance festivals.

As you can see, Nottingham is a wonderful mixture of English cold beauty and romantic motifs that inspire our hearts.