Saturday, 12 April 2008
History of People's College - 1846 to 1973
The following is take from "A history of People's College of Further Education" - Margaret Carter - January 1975
1846
This was the year of the founding of People’s College. Mr. George Gill, an inhabitant of the town, provided the sum of £3,000, a considerable amount of money in those days, and appealed most successfully for subscriptions from the public. It was intended that the College should provide a sound education of the kind offered by lower grade secondary schools at a moderate price.
1847
People’s College was opened in August 1847 to boys only.
1850
A section for girls was added and at this time the School catered for 170 boys and 75 girls.
The boys were given instruction in the three Rs and singing, with object lessons, natural history, physiology, social economy, history, natural philosophy, mathematics, Latin and French.
The girls were given a sound English education and were taught plain needlework.
Evening classes were organised for those already in full-time employment.
1855
Official recognition was given to evening classes by the payment of Government Grant. Those attending came not only from the town but also from the surrounding villages.
The first evening classes dealt with the three Rs, English grammar, algebra, book-keeping, French, German and singing, but the variety of subjects quickly expanded to include, for example, metallurgy, chemistry, physics, astronomy and machine drawing. People’s College enjoyed a very high reputation and was a flourishing institution from the outset.
1880
The day school was handed over to the School Board as the first Higher Grade School in the Nottingham area and expanded rapidly during the remainder of the 19th century.
1896-7
The College came to be known as an “Evening Continuation School” and was open for classes in commercial and technical subjects on three evenings a week.
Admission to the College was by ticket, which was issued free of charge by the School Board offices or the Superintendent of the School. However, a charge of 2d. was made for each ticket to deter irresponsible applicants, the money being devoted to the prize fund.
140 students enrolled for this session. The subjects taught were:—
Arithmetic - Writing - Reading and Elocution - French - German - Life and Duties Book-keeping - Shorthand - Typewriting - Geography - History - Mensuration - Needlework - Singing - Machine Drawing - Mathematics - Physiology - Hygiene.
1899-1900
The College was constantly under the vigilant eye of H.M. Inspectors who visited the evening classes regularly. The Government Report for the year stated that:”Sound and useful instruction was imparted in all classes and the general organisation of the school merits special recommendation.”
1900—01
This was a most notable year for two reasons. Firstly, by the end of October 1,000 students had enrolled at the College. Secondly, on October 12th the electric light was installed.
1902-03
Admission Fees were charged for the first time – 4/- per session.
The amount of Government grant awarded each year was based on the number of students who made at least twenty attendances in each subject taken. The admission card incorporated a declaration to be signed by the student, who undertook to attend at least twenty times in each of his or her chosen subjects, unless prevented by illness.
1906—07
A rather amusing extract from H.M. Inspector’s report for the year:—
“The class in woodwork is conducted more on philanthropic than educational lines. The boys are very rough and can apparently only be induced to attend by letting them do what they please at the class. No definite course of instruction is insisted on and strictly speaking much of the so-called ‘work’ is quite undeserving of grant.”
Nevertheless, the total grant paid for the year was £355 11s. 6d.
1907—08
The People’s College was now classified as a special “Commercial and Technical Centre” for students who had already completed a course of study at an Evening Continuation School. The syllabuses were devised with the intention of linking up with more advanced courses at University College.
The day school was developing into a Junior Technical School, of the kind recognised by the Board of Education in 1913.
1912
Students from People’s College were taking examinations conducted by the Board of Education, the Royal Society of
Arts and the National Union of Teachers, but a new examining body was emerging at this time which was to prove very popular in later years: the East Midland Educational Union.
1914-15
The effects of the First World War were being felt. The total number of students admitted was 663, a decrease of 314 on the previous year. The Superintendent, recorded in the Log Book the following reasons for the reduction in numbers:
1. “The large number of men who have joined H.M. Forces. The bulk of the male students are between the ages of 16 and 30. Nearly 40 men students have left during the session to join the Colours in addition to those who enlisted before the commencement of the session.
2. Last session 175 of the employees of Boots -Limited attended the School, their fees being paid by the Firm. The scheme adopted last year by Messrs. Boot was abandoned. This accounts for a large falling off in the numbers admitted.
3. The standard of attainment required of the students on admission was considerably higher, a large number of students being refused admission and recommended to join Continuation Schools.
4. The general unsettlement caused by the War, lack of employment among persons engaged in the Lace Trade, and working overtime among men employed in the Engineering Trades.
In spite of many distractions, there has been no falling off in the regularity of attendance compared with the previous session.
My thanks are due to every member of staff for, their zealous and loyal support.”
1915-16
This session started well with an increase in numbers over the previous year. However, during January and February, 1916, the German air raids over Nottingham became more frequent and it was declared on February 29th that all evening classes should be closed.
Just before this decree, the Superintendent was fined £3 for “failing to shade or reduce the inside lights”.
When at last the War ended, the following was recorded in the Log Book of the College:—
“Owing to the public expressions of joy on receipt of news of the signing of the Armistice, on which the War was brought to an end, the Evening Classes were not held this evening.” -
1924—25
In December 1924, an entry was made in the Log Book to the effect that after Christmas the rate of payment for assistant instructors was to be reduced.
1932—33
This session saw the introduction of the National Certificate Courses in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, although the National Certificate scheme had actually been started in 1921. People’s College became a contributory centre to the University College for the first year of these courses.
1930s
The College continued to flourish in the years leading up to the Second World War and a greater number of students registered for Grouped Courses and entered for examinations conducted by the EIM.E.U.
During the War there was little reduction in the volume of work and special courses were arranged for members of H.M. Forces.
1944-45
Prior to the 1944 Education Act, People’s College was an Evening Institute providing both commercial and technical classes. In 1945, the commercial classes were transferred to Clarendon College and the first day release classes for the building apprentices were organised at People’s College. The day release students during this session totalled 334 and this number increased steadily.
1946-47
Additional day release classes were arranged for engineering apprentices, juniors in the cinema
industry and grocery trade.
1947-48
The re-organisation following the 1944 Education Act resulted in People’s College Junior Technical School becoming a Secondary Technical School for the Building Industry and Allied Trades. This meant that there was no accommodation during the day in the main building of People’s College, causing accommodation problems which were to increase until, in 1958, classes were being held in 17 different buildings.
1949-50
“People’s College Senior Technical Institute was renamed “People’s College of Further Education”.
1950-51
This session saw the enrolment of almost three times the number of students than in 1945-46.
1952-53
The timetable for this year included a new full-time G.C.E. course, for which 41 students enrolled. Additional evening courses were provided in Pest Control, Horology, Fire Engineering and Boiler House Practice.
1953-54
A new laboratory and workshop block at Chesterfield Street was ready for occupation in September 1953, which gave some relief to the accommodation problem, but with the rapid expansion in the work of the College there was still a serious shortageof space to meet existing and future needs of the College.
1955-56
Plans were approved for the erection of a new College under the shadow of Nottingham Castle between Castle Road and Maid Maria n Way.
1956-57
During this year, the Education Committee approved a scheme for the concentration of advanced work at Nottingham and District Technical College, with People’s College dealing with the work up to Ordinary National Certificate standard. By 1960-61 the transfer of these courses was virtually completed.
People’s College Secondary (Technical) School admitted its final intake at 13+ during the year. From September 1958 pupils will only be admitted at the age of eleven. -
1958-59
To return to the new People’s College of Further Education, the workshop block was completed in September 1958 and the main block, assembly hail and gymnasium in September 1959, ready for occupation during the following session.
1962—63
The last reference to People’s College Secondary (Technical) School was made in the Education Committee’s Annual Report for the year 1962—63, where it was stated that a further two—form entry of boys aged 11+ would be admitted in September 1963. What happened to those ‘boys in the year 1963-64 is something of a mystery as far as the Annual Reports are concerned, for no further reference is made to the School in subsequent years.
At People’s College of Further Education, this session saw further changes in the structure of the Engineering courses as a result of the White Paper “Better Opportunities in Technical Education”. Based on the support promised by local industry, the College agreed to provide block release courses from September 1963 for the first year of the new Ordinary National Certificate in Engineering.
1965—66
Following the move of the College into its new premises, the number of students increased steadily, as can be seen from the summary table. The introduction of block release courses resulted in a further swelling of numbers and this rapid expansion of the College necessitated additional extensions. These extensions, mainly in the form of workshops and classrooms, were added in September 1966, and provided accommodation for new courses such as those in Welding, Sheet Metalwork, Mechanical Engineering and Motor Vehicle Technicians
(which were transferred from Nottingham Regional College of Technology).
1972—73
The College now consists of the main building, 22 laboratories, 10 workshops, 10 drawing offices, visual aids room, specialist and demonstration rooms, class rooms, general office, library, gymnasium, refectory, assembly hail and various departmental staff rooms.
The summary table, which shows the growth of the College up to the year 1965—66, also shows a decline in terms of student numbers up until 1972-73 (the most recent data available). However, due to the complicated combination of full time, block release, day release and evening courses, a more accurate picture of the growth of the College can be seen from the total number of student hours.
However, it can be seen that 1965-66 was a particularly high year in terms of numbers of students and student hours. This was probably due to the fact that many children of the post-War ‘bulge’ years (the latter 1940s) would have been of college age.
The data for 1970-71 shows a fall from this ‘peak level but there was a recovery in 1971-72. The fail in 1972-73 could, be the first signs of a continuing decrease in student numbers due to the reduction in the rate of popuilation growth, as a result of the development of reliable birth control methods and a greater awareness of the problems of the environment generally.
To end this study of the history of People’s College, I would like to quote from a report on the development of the College by Mr. W.W. Dixon, a former Principal:-
“The College will continue to play an ever-increasing part in the development of Technical Education and provide the best possible chance for the ‘young people of Nottingham and district to develop their own talents and contribute to the national well-being.”
1846
This was the year of the founding of People’s College. Mr. George Gill, an inhabitant of the town, provided the sum of £3,000, a considerable amount of money in those days, and appealed most successfully for subscriptions from the public. It was intended that the College should provide a sound education of the kind offered by lower grade secondary schools at a moderate price.
1847
People’s College was opened in August 1847 to boys only.
1850
A section for girls was added and at this time the School catered for 170 boys and 75 girls.
The boys were given instruction in the three Rs and singing, with object lessons, natural history, physiology, social economy, history, natural philosophy, mathematics, Latin and French.
The girls were given a sound English education and were taught plain needlework.
Evening classes were organised for those already in full-time employment.
1855
Official recognition was given to evening classes by the payment of Government Grant. Those attending came not only from the town but also from the surrounding villages.
The first evening classes dealt with the three Rs, English grammar, algebra, book-keeping, French, German and singing, but the variety of subjects quickly expanded to include, for example, metallurgy, chemistry, physics, astronomy and machine drawing. People’s College enjoyed a very high reputation and was a flourishing institution from the outset.
1880
The day school was handed over to the School Board as the first Higher Grade School in the Nottingham area and expanded rapidly during the remainder of the 19th century.
1896-7
The College came to be known as an “Evening Continuation School” and was open for classes in commercial and technical subjects on three evenings a week.
Admission to the College was by ticket, which was issued free of charge by the School Board offices or the Superintendent of the School. However, a charge of 2d. was made for each ticket to deter irresponsible applicants, the money being devoted to the prize fund.
140 students enrolled for this session. The subjects taught were:—
Arithmetic - Writing - Reading and Elocution - French - German - Life and Duties Book-keeping - Shorthand - Typewriting - Geography - History - Mensuration - Needlework - Singing - Machine Drawing - Mathematics - Physiology - Hygiene.
1899-1900
The College was constantly under the vigilant eye of H.M. Inspectors who visited the evening classes regularly. The Government Report for the year stated that:”Sound and useful instruction was imparted in all classes and the general organisation of the school merits special recommendation.”
1900—01
This was a most notable year for two reasons. Firstly, by the end of October 1,000 students had enrolled at the College. Secondly, on October 12th the electric light was installed.
1902-03
Admission Fees were charged for the first time – 4/- per session.
The amount of Government grant awarded each year was based on the number of students who made at least twenty attendances in each subject taken. The admission card incorporated a declaration to be signed by the student, who undertook to attend at least twenty times in each of his or her chosen subjects, unless prevented by illness.
1906—07
A rather amusing extract from H.M. Inspector’s report for the year:—
“The class in woodwork is conducted more on philanthropic than educational lines. The boys are very rough and can apparently only be induced to attend by letting them do what they please at the class. No definite course of instruction is insisted on and strictly speaking much of the so-called ‘work’ is quite undeserving of grant.”
Nevertheless, the total grant paid for the year was £355 11s. 6d.
1907—08
The People’s College was now classified as a special “Commercial and Technical Centre” for students who had already completed a course of study at an Evening Continuation School. The syllabuses were devised with the intention of linking up with more advanced courses at University College.
The day school was developing into a Junior Technical School, of the kind recognised by the Board of Education in 1913.
1912
Students from People’s College were taking examinations conducted by the Board of Education, the Royal Society of
Arts and the National Union of Teachers, but a new examining body was emerging at this time which was to prove very popular in later years: the East Midland Educational Union.
1914-15
The effects of the First World War were being felt. The total number of students admitted was 663, a decrease of 314 on the previous year. The Superintendent, recorded in the Log Book the following reasons for the reduction in numbers:
1. “The large number of men who have joined H.M. Forces. The bulk of the male students are between the ages of 16 and 30. Nearly 40 men students have left during the session to join the Colours in addition to those who enlisted before the commencement of the session.
2. Last session 175 of the employees of Boots -Limited attended the School, their fees being paid by the Firm. The scheme adopted last year by Messrs. Boot was abandoned. This accounts for a large falling off in the numbers admitted.
3. The standard of attainment required of the students on admission was considerably higher, a large number of students being refused admission and recommended to join Continuation Schools.
4. The general unsettlement caused by the War, lack of employment among persons engaged in the Lace Trade, and working overtime among men employed in the Engineering Trades.
In spite of many distractions, there has been no falling off in the regularity of attendance compared with the previous session.
My thanks are due to every member of staff for, their zealous and loyal support.”
1915-16
This session started well with an increase in numbers over the previous year. However, during January and February, 1916, the German air raids over Nottingham became more frequent and it was declared on February 29th that all evening classes should be closed.
Just before this decree, the Superintendent was fined £3 for “failing to shade or reduce the inside lights”.
When at last the War ended, the following was recorded in the Log Book of the College:—
“Owing to the public expressions of joy on receipt of news of the signing of the Armistice, on which the War was brought to an end, the Evening Classes were not held this evening.” -
1924—25
In December 1924, an entry was made in the Log Book to the effect that after Christmas the rate of payment for assistant instructors was to be reduced.
1932—33
This session saw the introduction of the National Certificate Courses in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, although the National Certificate scheme had actually been started in 1921. People’s College became a contributory centre to the University College for the first year of these courses.
1930s
The College continued to flourish in the years leading up to the Second World War and a greater number of students registered for Grouped Courses and entered for examinations conducted by the EIM.E.U.
During the War there was little reduction in the volume of work and special courses were arranged for members of H.M. Forces.
1944-45
Prior to the 1944 Education Act, People’s College was an Evening Institute providing both commercial and technical classes. In 1945, the commercial classes were transferred to Clarendon College and the first day release classes for the building apprentices were organised at People’s College. The day release students during this session totalled 334 and this number increased steadily.
1946-47
Additional day release classes were arranged for engineering apprentices, juniors in the cinema
industry and grocery trade.
1947-48
The re-organisation following the 1944 Education Act resulted in People’s College Junior Technical School becoming a Secondary Technical School for the Building Industry and Allied Trades. This meant that there was no accommodation during the day in the main building of People’s College, causing accommodation problems which were to increase until, in 1958, classes were being held in 17 different buildings.
1949-50
“People’s College Senior Technical Institute was renamed “People’s College of Further Education”.
1950-51
This session saw the enrolment of almost three times the number of students than in 1945-46.
1952-53
The timetable for this year included a new full-time G.C.E. course, for which 41 students enrolled. Additional evening courses were provided in Pest Control, Horology, Fire Engineering and Boiler House Practice.
1953-54
A new laboratory and workshop block at Chesterfield Street was ready for occupation in September 1953, which gave some relief to the accommodation problem, but with the rapid expansion in the work of the College there was still a serious shortageof space to meet existing and future needs of the College.
1955-56
Plans were approved for the erection of a new College under the shadow of Nottingham Castle between Castle Road and Maid Maria n Way.
1956-57
During this year, the Education Committee approved a scheme for the concentration of advanced work at Nottingham and District Technical College, with People’s College dealing with the work up to Ordinary National Certificate standard. By 1960-61 the transfer of these courses was virtually completed.
People’s College Secondary (Technical) School admitted its final intake at 13+ during the year. From September 1958 pupils will only be admitted at the age of eleven. -
1958-59
To return to the new People’s College of Further Education, the workshop block was completed in September 1958 and the main block, assembly hail and gymnasium in September 1959, ready for occupation during the following session.
1962—63
The last reference to People’s College Secondary (Technical) School was made in the Education Committee’s Annual Report for the year 1962—63, where it was stated that a further two—form entry of boys aged 11+ would be admitted in September 1963. What happened to those ‘boys in the year 1963-64 is something of a mystery as far as the Annual Reports are concerned, for no further reference is made to the School in subsequent years.
At People’s College of Further Education, this session saw further changes in the structure of the Engineering courses as a result of the White Paper “Better Opportunities in Technical Education”. Based on the support promised by local industry, the College agreed to provide block release courses from September 1963 for the first year of the new Ordinary National Certificate in Engineering.
1965—66
Following the move of the College into its new premises, the number of students increased steadily, as can be seen from the summary table. The introduction of block release courses resulted in a further swelling of numbers and this rapid expansion of the College necessitated additional extensions. These extensions, mainly in the form of workshops and classrooms, were added in September 1966, and provided accommodation for new courses such as those in Welding, Sheet Metalwork, Mechanical Engineering and Motor Vehicle Technicians
(which were transferred from Nottingham Regional College of Technology).
1972—73
The College now consists of the main building, 22 laboratories, 10 workshops, 10 drawing offices, visual aids room, specialist and demonstration rooms, class rooms, general office, library, gymnasium, refectory, assembly hail and various departmental staff rooms.
The summary table, which shows the growth of the College up to the year 1965—66, also shows a decline in terms of student numbers up until 1972-73 (the most recent data available). However, due to the complicated combination of full time, block release, day release and evening courses, a more accurate picture of the growth of the College can be seen from the total number of student hours.
However, it can be seen that 1965-66 was a particularly high year in terms of numbers of students and student hours. This was probably due to the fact that many children of the post-War ‘bulge’ years (the latter 1940s) would have been of college age.
The data for 1970-71 shows a fall from this ‘peak level but there was a recovery in 1971-72. The fail in 1972-73 could, be the first signs of a continuing decrease in student numbers due to the reduction in the rate of popuilation growth, as a result of the development of reliable birth control methods and a greater awareness of the problems of the environment generally.
To end this study of the history of People’s College, I would like to quote from a report on the development of the College by Mr. W.W. Dixon, a former Principal:-
“The College will continue to play an ever-increasing part in the development of Technical Education and provide the best possible chance for the ‘young people of Nottingham and district to develop their own talents and contribute to the national well-being.”
Friday, 11 April 2008
Castle Road, 1963
Castle Road, 1963
Looking south from junction with Hounds Gate and showing Mortimer House (now The Castle public house.) Mortimer House was designed by Nottingham's renowned architect Watson Fothergill. The row of shops and offices, was built in 1883 for Mr. Tate. The roof line is extremely varied and complex as the building runs down the slope between Hounds Gate and round the corner into Castle Gate. A square tower dominates the top end, while a rounded turret caps the lower end. The style is less Gothic and more Old English vernacular, or even a touch northern European - Fothergill was greatly influenced by Continental architecture, particularly the buildings of Germany, which shows in the building seen here. It had previously been an antiques shop and a tea rooms before its main use since the 1970s as a public house.
Castle Road and Castle Gate junction, 1971
Jessamine Cottages, Castle Road, c 1950
This photograph is copy by George L Roberts from Lewis Richmond Album 1936-1945.
Castle Road, c 1950s
Castle Road, c 1950s
This photograph is copy by George L Roberts from Lewis Richmond Album 1936-1945.
Castle Road, c 1950s Shows Jessamine Cottages
Castle Gate, 1938
Showing Royal Children public house.
Brewhouse Yard, 1974
The Trip to Jerusalem and corner of People's College as seen from the gateway between Castle Works inner yard and the proposed public area.
Walnut Tree Lane 1963
From Castle Road looking east towards Walnut Tree Lane , with Peoples College to the right. At the bottom is St Nicholas' Church
From Castle Road looking east towards Walnut Tree Lane , with Peoples College to the right. The trees at the bottom are in St Nicholas' Churchyard.
1963
At the bottom of Walnut Tree Lane (centre) looking up towards the Castle and General Hospital, with Peoples College on the left
1966
Maid Marion Way, Office Blocks, 1966
Looking North-West towards the Royal Children Public House and St Nicholas Church. Part of Peoples College on the left.
1960
South end from Walton House, showing modern block of People's College (Now Castle College Nottingham), and Castle Gate. Looking towards Canal St
1996
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Public House and Nottingham Castle 1900
Showing the Trip to Jerusalem and The Gate Hangs Well. The Trip to Jerusalem pub has an old and venerable history which, as can be seen by the date on its outside wall, it claims goes back to 1189. It is difficult to verify this date especially as there is photographic proof that its wall once displayed 1199 as the pubs establishing date. However, the Trip does claim to be the oldest inn in the world. The one notable thing about 1189 is that it is the date of King Richard I's accession to the throne and this is where the legend begins. We are told the Trip to Jerusalem is so called because the Crusaders, if not Lion-hearted Richard himself, stopped there on the way to the Holylands on the Crusades to fight the Saracens. This may be so, although Richard spent little time in England. The word 'trip' does not necessarily mean a journey in this case. An old meaning for trip is a stop on a journey, like being tripped up, so the inn's name could mean a stop or rest on the way to Jerusalem. The Trip was also formerly named 'The Pilgrim'. Very early maps of Nottingham do not show any buildings in the vicinity of the Trip's site but it must be remembered that people were living in the caves of what is now the Castle Rock even before the Saxons populated the present Lace Market, and The French Normans developed the Castle Rock area. There is evidence that the Castle Rock's caves were in use after the castle was built. It is possible that the caves were being used as the castle's brewhouse in the twelfth century, using a steady supply of water from the River Leen at the bottom of the rock. Perhaps further evidence can be found in the area's name of Brewhouse Yard but, of course, this may be of a much later date taking its derivation from the Trip and its now demolished neighbour, the Gate Hangs Well.
Broadmarsh Centre, Collin Street, 1975
The Broadmarsh Centre was built upon streets which had been cleared of slum yards and housing. Foundations were begun in the late 1960's. Streets such as Drury Hill, which had contained timber framed buildings, disappeared and caves which ran underneath were obscured. The result was a popular shopping centre, but with the rather soul-less facade which can be seen here in the early 1970's. Things have improved, however. The facade had been humanised with bus shelters, plants and decorative embellishments and The Caves have been opened as a tourist attraction.
Collin Street, 1978
Taken from The Broadmarsh Centre looking east showing Broadmarsh car park centre right. Broadmarsh was built upon streets which had been cleared of slum yards and housing. Foundations were begun in the late 1960's. Streets such as Drury Hill, which had contained timber framed buildings, disappeared and caves which ran underneath were obscured. The result was a popular shopping centre, but with the rather soul-less facade. Things have improved, however. The facade had been humanised with bus shelters, plants and decorative embellishments and The Caves have been opened as a tourist attraction.
Walnut Tree Lane - Castle Road
Looking towards Castle Road, 1930
Showing Brewhouse Yard, The Trip to Jerusalem and St. Nicholas' School.
The Salutation Public House
1963
Showing The Salutation Public House From the junction with Spaniel Row, St Nicholas Street and Hounds Gate. A Plaque near the Maid Marian Way entrances states: 'The present house was built c. 1240 on the site of the 13th century Ale House known as 'The Archangel Gabriel Salutes the Virgin Mary.' Its name and sign refers to the salutation 'Ave Maria, plene gratia,' given by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin; and as this sign was not infrequently associated with inns belonging to religious houses, an idea exists that this inn may have been the guest-house of either the Carmelite or the Franciscan friary of Nottingham. '1240 AD' is displayed on the apex wall but apparently the first building on the site then belonged to a 'tanner' (someone who made animal skins into leather). Their workshops were on the ground floor, with living accommodation above for both the 'tanner' and his workers. (In 1992, Nottingham University's Department of Archaeology's tree dating labs put a date of the oldest timber (the inner ring) in the pub as being circa 1360' apparently in those days timber was not left to season so that date is probably an accurate estimate as to when the pub we know today was actually built, and not 1240 as is stated on the apex wall (which was probably the date of the first building on the site). In 1440, borough records recorded this date as having a private dwelling on the site, belonging to a man named John Alastre. During The Civil War, in the 1640's, it was used by Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads as a recruiting room. In 1937 following an investigation by the Thoroton Excavation Society, it was thought that the 9th century caves beneath the pub were lived in by the local Saxon folk (the ghost of a young four year old girl is rumoured to haunt the caves). In directories, The Salutation's name varies and is sometimes referred to as 'Ye Olde Salutation'. In the late 1970's-1980's 'The Sal', as it was popularly known, was regularly frequented by bikers and the heavy-rock fans. There have been two major refits since the early 70's; The latter being the introduction of a second public staircase allowing access to the upstairs bar. Within the last two year's Tony Robinson and the Channel Four Time Team programme visited and tried to date all three of Nottingham's oldest pubs (the Bell, the Trip to Jerusalem, and the Salutation).
1995
Construction of Inner Ring Road-Maid Marian Way next to St Nicholas' Church, 1958
Maid Marian Way was developed from the late 1950s. Prior to this, no thoroughfare existed here. Post-War increases in traffic and enthusiasm for 'modern' city planning led to the redevelopment of the area between the bottom of Derby Road and Broadmarsh. Many of the old Medieval streets, which ran between the Castle Hill and the Market Square area, were cut though, and buildings demolished to made way for its development. Some buildings survived, such as The Salutation Inn, The Royal Children Pub, and St Nicholas' Church, but with their frontages much reduced. (There are many photographs of the old buildings and streets which can be seen on this web site). The result was the 1960s huge blocks of offices, large shops, like Tesco and their 'Green Shield Stamp' shop, and the unpopular pedestrian underpasses. The new road traffic system was successful with regard to the through flow of traffic, but on a human pedestrian scale, the area was not so successful, particularly after the closure of the Mount Street Bus Station. In the 1970s the road was voted to be 'One of the ugliest in Europe'!, and shops and offices were constantly changing traders or closing for business. In the 1980s the City Council started a programme to improve the area; flowers and trees were planted, and road crossings were improved giving better pedestrian access. Today, the road is still being developed (for the better): with the new tram lines incorporated into it; offices have been redeveloped into hotels; and it has many thriving shops, bars, restaurants, and a casino. The old Tesco building now houses 'The Tales of Robin Hood' tourist attraction.
1987
Maid Marian Way
Image Date:
March 1961
11 February 1988
St Nicholas's Church - 1963
A church of St. Nicholas was erected on the site of the present building soon after the Conquest, and it seems to have been very like the St. Peter's Church that we know. Whatever its appearance, it did its work usefully and quietly as a parish church until 1642. Then the times were out of joint. King Charles and the Parliament were at each other's throat, and the country rang with the battle cry of the Roundhead and Cavalier. Colonel Huchinson held Nottingham Castle for the Parliament, and was attacked by a body of Newarkers acting for the King. They were almost successful in their attempt but not quite. However, they established themselves in the tower of the old St. Nicholas Church, and proceeded to bombard the garrison of the Castle with such effect that when they were finally dislodged, Colonel Hutchinson felt that he dare not expose his men to a repetition of the experience, and so caused the old church to be completely destroyed. The homeless congregation were accommodated in a loft over St. Peter's Chancel but they were once more rendered homeless by a fresh bombardment, for thirty-five years the site of St. Nicholas remained vacant, but at last in 1678 a fresh start was made and a new church was erected, the nucleus of today's building. Men were war-weary and tired of being over-governed. King Charles II had been restored to the throne of his fathers a dozen years before, and all the golden promise of that anna mirabilis had faded into disappointment. The ancient nobility and gentry were impoverished by sequestration and taxation, and the new owners of wealth had not had time to realise their responsibilities. All this and much more is reflected in the poorness of the architecture and the cheapness of the material of the portions of St. Nicholas Church which date from about the time of Titus Oates. (information from www.nottshistory.org.uk) No illustration is known to exist of the earlier building. This view shows the north west aspect of the Church from Maid Marian Way.
Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, 1963
Looking south to Canal Street. Maid Marian Way was developed from the late 1950s. Prior to this, no thoroughfare existed here. Post-War increases in traffic and enthusiasm for 'modern' city planning led to the redevelopment of the area between the bottom of Derby Road and Broadmarsh. Many of the old Medieval streets, which ran between the Castle Hill and the Market Square area, were cut though, and buildings demolished to made way for its development. Some buildings survived, such as The Salutation Inn, The Royal Children Pub, and St Nicholas' Church, but with their frontages much reduced. (There are many photographs of the old buildings and streets which can be seen on this web site). The result was the 1960s huge blocks of offices, large shops, like Tesco and their 'Green Shield Stamp' shop, and the unpopular pedestrian underpasses. The new road traffic system was successful with regard to the through flow of traffic, but on a human pedestrian scale, the area was not so successful, particularly after the closure of the Mount Street Bus Station. In the 1970s the road was voted to be 'One of the ugliest in Europe'!, and shops and offices were constantly changing traders or closing for business. In the 1980s the City Council started a programme to improve the area; flowers and trees were planted, and road crossings were improved giving better pedestrian access. Today, the road is still being developed (for the better): with the new tram lines incorporated into it; offices have been redeveloped into hotels; and it has many thriving shops, bars, restaurants, and a casino. The old Tesco building now houses 'The Tales of Robin Hood' tourist attraction.
A church of St. Nicholas was erected on the site of the present building soon after the Conquest, and it seems to have been very like the St. Peter's Church that we know. Whatever its appearance, it did its work usefully and quietly as a parish church until 1642 during the English Civil War. Colonel Huchinson held Nottingham Castle for the Parliament, and was attacked by a body of Newark people acting for the King. They were almost successful in their attempt but not quite. However, they established themselves in the tower of the old St. Nicholas Church, and proceeded to bombard the garrison of the Castle with such effect that when they were finally dislodged, Colonel Hutchinson felt that he dare not expose his men to a repetition of the experience, and so caused the old church to be completely destroyed. The homeless congregation were accommodated in a loft over St. Peter's Chancel but they were once more rendered homeless by a fresh bombardment, for thirty-five years the site of St. Nicholas remained vacant, but in 1678 a fresh start was made and a new church was erected, the nucleus of today's building. No illustration is known to exist of the earlier building. Following is an extract from White's Directory of Nottinghamshire 1853:-'St Nicholas' Church is a neat, brick edifice ornamented with stone, and like St Peter's, shaded by a number of trees. It occupies a pleasant situation on the south side of Castlegate (it should be remembered that Maid Marion Way did not exist until the 1960's), whence its large burial ground extends to Chesterfield Street and Rosemary Lane. The building was commenced in 1671, and finished in 1678, on the site of an ancient fabric which was destroyed in 1647. when a party of royalists took possession of it, and from the steeple so annoyed the parliamentarians in the castle, that they could not 'play the ordnance without the woolsacks before them', and the bullets from the church 'played so thick into the outward castle yard, that they could not pass from one gate to another, nor relieve the guards without very great hazard'. The church, however, was soon set on fire, and the royalist obliged to fly from its falling ruins. The present edifice has a light and airy appearance, and has a tower with one bell, at the west end. It has a spacious nave and two side aisles. the southernmost of which was much enlarged by subscription in 1756; and a similar extension of the north aisle took place in 1733, when £500 was raised for the purpose. It has since been new paved and ornamented with a handsome pulpit and a reading desk, and also with a new gallery on the north side. The organ was erected in 1811.' (It should be remembered that Maid Marion Way did not exist until the 1960's.)
Through the ages 1
 People's College, Castle Road, 1971 | |
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People's College College Street March 1986 | |
| The college opened in 1847 on College Street. The Ropewalk site was enlarged in 1880 and in 1991the college merged with Forest Fields Sixth Form College. This view, of the rear of the annexe, was taken from the car park of Scottish Amicable Insurance Company. |
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