As I blogged about a few weeks ago, the City Council have now shared some of the ideas they have been working on for Nottingham Castle. As I had hoped, many of these ideas were picked up by us on the sheriff’s Commission three years ago.
Some of the ideas:
* Using the story of Robin Hood as a guide through key periods in Nottingham’s history to create links to
important historical events* Providing a significant educational experience for all visitors, using the excitement and richness of the
Nottingham Castle history to engage visitors, particularly younger people, in an exploration of different
ideas and activities* Exploring the castle site as a symbol of Nottingham’s importance nationally within social protest and
rebellion through the ages – and the development of democratic institutions as a result* Creating a new Visitor Centre that provides modern facilities and access, new toilets, a café / social
space and a place where visitors can engage with the castle programme and enter the site* Creating an entrance directly from the castle to improve access to the caves beneath the castle which
are themselves a rich source of history* Hosting a more diverse all-year-round programme of outdoor festivals and events
* Enhancing and exploring the historic early English architecture of the castle to create a sense of place
as part of a world class heritage site* Offering a range of indoor and outdoor leisure opportunities to generate an improved family offer that
encourages users to spend more time at the site* Connecting the castle with other key heritage sites including Brewhouse Yard and Ye Old Trip to
Jerusalem.
This is now out to public consultation… It will be interesting to see what the Nottingham folk think. You can comment here.
It’s a pity it has taken this long to get to this point?
Tim – Anyone seriously interested in developing Nottingham Castle and indeed Nottingham’s tourist attractions should listen to what tourists are actually looking for or expecting when they pitch up. Check out the blog of a young female visitor from Canada to Nottingham “Castle” who spent nearly all day on a bus to get there! Her blog is here and her latest entry is simply titled “Nottingham”
http://theworldaheadandhomebehind.wordpress.com/
A sample comment from her blog …”Overall, Nottingham Castle was a waste of money- the gallery was nice enough, but more often than not, visitors to the castle will be disappointed. The gate-house entrance is deceptive and the gallery not quite what most people were coming to Nottingham to see”
And of course she is right. The gatehouse is deceptive, it aint a Castle, the displays and gallery dont tell the history of the site properly if at all., The Sherrif and Robin arent around and she also points out that there seems to be a deliberate policy of dumbing down Nottingham’s best known man in green. Yes we all know he was really a legend or myth but how much cash has Mickey Mouse brought to the USA / Disney? A great deal more could be done with the Castle and its rich former history and with Mortimers Hole something really quite special…….
Agree entirely. I have re-blogged this again – Monday! I have no idea why we seem to embarrassed by Robin Hood – legend or not. The young Canadians view is frightening!