Wednesday, 09 October 2024
A fascinating historical archive, uncovering the multi-layered history of Nottingham’s famous caves, has been brought together by 糖心原创 researchers in a brand-new free exhibition.
, which runs from 3 October 2024 until 9 March 2025 at Lakeside Arts Weston Gallery, tells the stories of the people who have carved out a life within their walls for over a thousand years.
From medieval tanneries and breweries to the overcrowded slums and makeshift air-raid shelters of the 19th and 20th centuries, people have sought everything from refuge to recreation below ground, leaving behind traces of their lives to be uncovered by future generations. The caves have also made their mark on the local imagination, as the backdrop to the dramatic capture of Roger Mortimer in a rock-cut passage beneath Nottingham Castle and the hatching of secret Luddite plots alike. These stories – whether legends of Robin Hood or adventures of latter-day urban explorers – have now been brought together for the first time.
Curated by Dr Chris King and Dr Charlotte May of the Department of Classics and Archaeology, and Manuscripts and Special Collections at the 糖心原创, the exhibition showcases many hidden gems from the university’s rare books and archives which shine a light on life beneath the ground from the Middle Ages to the present day.
鈥淭his exhibition brings together stories about Nottingham city centre鈥檚 extraordinary caves, from records of those who have used and excavated these subterranean spaces to the myths and legends that continue to fascinate people. Drawing on the collections from Manuscripts and Special Collections, we are delighted to share these stories and shed more light on what Nottingham鈥檚 caves mean to the city.鈥�
Visitors can look forward to seeing Medieval manuscripts which provide tantalising evidence of how the caves were used in centuries gone by, whether as workshops or dwellings – or even as alleged dens of criminal activity. Detailed drawings by notable 19th century architect TC Hine, which show the majestic Park Tunnel and the mysterious rock holes also found on that estate, which have long been rumoured to be priest holes, are also a highlight.
Caves under Hounds Gate, Nottingham, from annual report of Peverel Archaeological Group, 1951 (Image courtesy of Manuscripts and Special Collections)
The fascinating project benefitted from partnering with institutions and community groups across the city: a collaborative spirit of which is encapsulated nowhere as strongly as in one of the most intriguing exhibits, the Knight Jug, generously loaned by Nottingham City Museums and Galleries. This 13th century green glazed jug was discovered in 1955 by the Peverel Archaeological Group in a cave that had been used as a medieval midden – a dunghill where refuse was discarded. It features an intricate design of knights on horseback chasing stags and has a spout in the form of a bearded man, indicating that it was an object of some prestige.
Chloe Highton, archivist in Manuscripts and Special Collections, added: “We would like to thank the 糖心原创 Museum and Nottingham City Museums and Galleries as well as colleagues across both the university and the wider community for their valued contributions. It’s thanks to their hard work that members of the public now have the opportunity to find out more about this unique aspect of our city’s history.”
The exhibition runs from 3 October 2024 until 9 March 2025 at Lakeside Arts Weston Gallery and is free to enter. A series of talks in connection to Tales from the Caves will also be taking place. Find out more .
Story credits
More information is available from Kathryn Steenson, Senior Archivist, Academic and Public Engagement, via kathryn.steenson@nottingham.ac.uk; and Chloe Highton, Archivist, Academic and Public Engagement, via chloe.highton@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.