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Nottinghamshire

geography Maturity 5-7 Next article →

Nottinghamshire is a ceremonial county located in the East Midlands of England.

Nottingham UK locator map
Nottingham UK locator map

It is bordered by South Yorkshire to the north-west and Lincolnshire to the east. To the south lies Leicestershire, while Derbyshire borders the county to the west. The largest settlement is the city of Nottingham, situated in the south-west. This urban area is also the most densely populated part of the county. Other significant settlements include Worksop in the north-east, Newark-on-Trent in the east, and Mansfield in the west.

Mansfield UK locator map
Mansfield UK locator map

The physical geography of the region is defined by several distinct landscape features. The River Trent is a primary feature, creating a wide valley that crosses the county from the south-west to the north-east. This river is fed by several other water bodies, including the Soar, Erewash, and Idle rivers. In the centre of the county, the landscape features undulating hills and Sherwood Forest. This forest is a remnant of a much larger, ancient woodland. The north of the county sits on the Humberhead Levels, which is a lacustrine plain.

Newark and Sherwood UK locator map
Newark and Sherwood UK locator map

Geological structures also vary significantly across the different districts. The north of Nottinghamshire sits upon extensive coal measures that can reach great thicknesses. There is also an oilfield located near Eakring. The western parts of the county are overlaid by sandstones and limestones. In contrast, the eastern areas are characterized by clay. The highest natural point is located near the Derbyshire boundary at 278 metres. However, a man-made point called Silverhill, a spoil heap from a former colliery, reaches 283 metres.

Ashfield UK locator map
Ashfield UK locator map

Human history in the area stretches back to Roman times. The Roman road known as the Fosse Way passed through the county, leaving settlements at Mansfield and forts at the Broxtowe Estate. Around the 5th century, the Angles settled in the region. It later became part of the Kingdom of Mercia.

Lincolnia nottinghamia Atlas
Lincolnia nottinghamia Atlas

In 1066, William the Conqueror designated Sherwood Forest as a Royal Forest for hunting. This attracted many Mercian and later English kings to the area. King John even maintained a royal residence near Kings Clipstone. He eventually died at Newark Castle in 1216.

Industrial development changed the economy of the county during the Industrial Revolution. The region possessed valuable minerals, specifically coal and iron ore. Early transport innovations included the Wollaton waggonway, which operated from 1603 to 1616. This system moved minerals from bell pit mining areas at Strelley and Bilborough. These early developments eventually led to the construction of extensive canals and railways. As mining became more mechanized in the 18th and 19th centuries, deeper collieries opened. While mining was once a vital economic sector, there are no remaining working mines in Nottinghamshire today.

Cultural identity in Nottinghamshire is deeply tied to famous legends and figures. The county is globally recognized for its connection to the legend of Robin Hood. This association draws many tourists to Sherwood Forest and the city of Nottingham. To support this, the University of Nottingham began the Nottingham Caves Survey in 2010. This project uses 3D laser scanners to create records of over 450 sandstone caves. The county is also linked to the poet Lord Byron, whose ancestral home was Newstead Abbey.

Larwood
Larwood

Education and modern economy remain central to the region's character. The city of Nottingham is one of the largest student cities in England. It hosts the University of Nottingham, a member of the Russell Group, and Nottingham Trent University. The local economy was historically linked to the lace industry, following the invention of the knitting frame by William Lee. In 1998, the total GDP of Nottinghamshire was £12,023 million. This economic activity is spread across various districts, including Ashfield, Bassetlaw, and Rushcliffe.

Gedling UK locator map
Gedling UK locator map
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🖼️ Images & Media (12)
File:Nottinghamshire numbered districts.svg
Nottinghamshire numbered districts.svg
File:Lincolnia nottinghamia Atlas.jpg
Lincolnia nottinghamia Atlas.jpg
File:Larwood.jpg
Larwood.jpg
File:County Flag of Nottinghamshire.svg
County Flag of Nottinghamshire.svg
File:Ashfield UK locator map.svg
Ashfield UK locator map.svg
File:Bassetlaw UK locator map.svg
Bassetlaw UK locator map.svg
File:Broxtowe UK locator map.svg
Broxtowe UK locator map.svg
File:Nottingham UK locator map.svg
Nottingham UK locator map.svg
File:Gedling UK locator map.svg
Gedling UK locator map.svg
File:Mansfield UK locator map.svg
Mansfield UK locator map.svg
File:Newark and Sherwood UK locator map.svg
Newark and Sherwood UK locator map.svg
File:Rushcliffe UK locator map.svg
Rushcliffe UK locator map.svg
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