Ah, you've arrived at the historic Lace Market! Take a good look around you. To spot this hidden gem, focus on the grand red-brick buildings that rise before you in a tight, harmonious formation. The intricate Victorian architecture, characterized by large windows, iron railings, and decorative brickwork, captures the essence of Nottingham's rich industrial past. You'll notice the old gas lamps and red phone boxes scattered about, invoking a sense of stepping back in time.
The Lace Market is a quarter-mile square area that was once the thriving heart of the world's lace industry. Picture this: bustling salesrooms and warehouses filled with exquisite lace, with buyers from across the globe drawn to Nottingham's finest fabrics. Now, it’s a conservation area adorned with trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Lace Market Theatre or the Nottingham Contemporary arts centre while you’re here.
Long before lace became the area's claim to fame, this very hill was the site of Nottingham's original Saxon settlement. St Mary's Church, which you can see standing proudly on High Pavement, is believed to be the third church on that site, dating back to 1474 and showcasing stunning early English Perpendicular architecture.
After the Norman Conquest, the Saxon settlement evolved into the English borough, and opposite, around Nottingham Castle, the French borough developed. Eventually, these two boroughs converged, and the Old Market Square became the city's focal point, steering the Saxon area towards its future as the lace industry's epicenter.
The transformation into the Lace Market kicked off with the preparation of stocking frames by William Lee in 1589. Though Lee himself moved to France, Nottingham became the hub for stocking knitting by the mid-18th century. Innovations like the Bobbinet and Leavers machines allowed lace knitting to flourish, leading to the Victorian-era peak where 25,000 workers were engaged in lace production.
However, like many traditional industries, lace making saw a decline by the 1970s. The once-vibrant market slumped into dereliction until Nottingham City Council's Operation Clean Up in 1978 breathed new life into the area. With public grants for historic building refurbishment, the majority of the warehouses have been revitalized for modern uses.
Now, the Lace Market stands as a testament to Nottingham’s ability to reinvent itself. A lively mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces have replaced the old warehouses.
Stay and soak in this unique blend of history and modernity, and perhaps grab a pint in one of the charming nearby pubs! Onward now, to further adventures in Nottingham!
