Ah, welcome traveler! You are now approaching the historic Severn's Building. You'll surely recognize it by its charming medieval appearance. Look for a two-story, timber-framed structure that stands proudly with a jettied first floor. Notice the beautiful crisscrossing wooden beams which create an ornate pattern across the building's façade. The roof is covered with plain tiles, giving it a rustic yet quaint look, just over the sign that reads "The Lace Centre."
This grand old building dates back to around 1450 and was once home to a prosperous merchant. Originally, it stood proudly on Middle Pavement, where it was numbered as No. 10. Over the centuries, it has served many purposes, including offices for the architects Samuel Dutton Walker and John Howitt from 1879 to 1885.
It found itself at the heart of historical events. The Severn family, who were wine and spirit merchants, moved in around 1900. It endured the Nottingham Blitz during World War II, with its yard suffering extensive damage. After the war, there were plans to modernize the building, but these never came to fruition.
In 1968, Nottingham City Council decided to dismantle and relocate it to this very spot, a wise move indeed! Between 1980 and 2009, the building was used as a lace museum and shop, reflecting Nottingham's rich history in the lace industry.
In recent years, the building has changed hands a few times and is now once again on the market. It continues to stand as a proud testament to Nottingham’s vibrant history. Now that you've had a good look and a bit of history, prepare yourself for the next stop on our tour, an old church with tales and secrets of its own! Let's march on!
