More information : (SK 57 39) Nottingham Early medieval burgh, medieval town
Domesday Survey reveals that Nottingham (SK 5739) was an important
trading centre, with a church and two moneyers. Coins of Athelstan
(925-40) were minted there. An earthwork defence, built in
conjunction with a south facing natural cliff, surrounding what is
known as 'The Old Borough', is considered to be pre-conquest (SK 53
ne 3). By 1086, twenty three houses had been built in the borough, a
ditch, a motte and bailey castle had been put up by William I (SK 53
NE 2) and the town limits had been extended to accommodate French
settlers. (SK 53 NE 1) (1-2) Plan (4)
Nottingham became a Parliamentary garrison during the Civil War, and
additional fortifications were built. (See SK 54 SE 25). All the
defences were demolished in 1647, with the exception of the Castle
which was slighted in 1651. (3)
(See 1:11250 map diagrams for components of town AD). (4)
Excavations in 1971 for the new Broad Marsh Centre at Drury Hill (SK
574396) revealed a number of rock-cut pits with pottery as early as
circa 1300. Occupation of 11th-15th centuries was found in the SE
corner of the Burh. (5)
Excavations in 1972 in the NE corner of the Burh revealed 11th-13th
century timber buildings etc and a corn/malt drying kiln of 13th
century. (6)
In 918AD the Borough was captured by Edward the Elder, and in 1016 the borough was recorded as being the capital of a borough.(7-8)
In 1066 the borough was recorded in the Doomesday Book as having 173 burgesses, and in 1086 thirteen houses were built in the new borough.(9)
In 1157 the Charter of Henry II confirmed to the burgesses of Nottingham all the free customs they had under Henry I.(10)
In 1449 Nottingham was incorporated as a county borough.(11) |