Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

The tour will leave York Memorial Gardens, Leeman road by coach, at 8.30 a.m. and travel directly to Nottingham Castle.  William the Conqueror built the first castle on the site in 1067 in wood, followed by a stone version a hundred years later, and this became one of the principal royal strongholds in the Midlands area. Richard the Lionheart, on returning from the Crusades, claimed the castle from his brother John, giving rise to the Robin Hood legends.

The castle was largely demolished after the English Civil War and a magnificent 17^th. Century mansion was built as the home of the Dukes of Newcastle.The castle now houses an art gallery and international museum collections.

On arrival at the castle there will be ample time to purchase coffee / tea before having a self-guided viewing of the exhibits in the museum and art gallery at the castle. The noted collection  of classical and contemporary art on display is not to be missed. After touring the exhibits, why not relax over some lunch  which may be purchased in the café. The castle stands on the top of a hill in 6 acres of gardens, which could make a pleasant stroll or picnic place if the weather is fine.

The rock beneath the castle is a soft Triassic sandstone deposit with few joints and bedding planes, making it easy to carve but highly resistant to collapse and there are over 500 man made caves beneath Nottingham, some probably dating back into prehistory. The caves have had many different uses over time, and many are still in use in different parts of the City. After lunch we shall be taken on a conducted tour from inside the castle and down through the caves, emerging at the base of the Castle Rock and near to the Brewhouse Museum of Nottingham Life, where a further conducted tour has been arranged.

The Brewhouse Museum is sited within five 17^th century cottages housing reconstructed rooms and shops from the 1900’s, an exhibition looking at the history of the site and the people who lived there, and other exhibitions.

If time permits, we shall make a visit to Wollaton Hall on the outskirts of Nottingham before setting off back to York. The Hall was once another home of the Lord Lieutenant of Yorkshire, and is now in the care of Nottingham Council.

The cost includes coach fare, admission fees and conducted tour charges as above, and gratuities. No catering is included. If you would like to join this tour, please complete and return the slip below  and send with your cheque (made out to Yorkshire Philosophical Society) to The Lodge for £36 per person by 21 September.

Alan Owen, Tour Organiser

The Yorkshire Philosophical Society accepts no responsibility for any loss or injury suffered while taking part in one of its visits. Participants are advised to consider appropriate insurance cover.

To  –  Alan Owen, YPS, The Lodge, Museum Gardens, York YO1  7DR

Please reserve   ………. Places for me / us on this visit.

Names……………………………………………………………………………… email  ……………………………

Address…………………………………………………………………………… Tel No ……………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………… Postcode …………………………

Please include S.A.E. for reply