The usual start of 10.00 a.m. saw 35 of us set off in a very comfortable modern coach for the 1½ hour journey to Nottingham Castle. Pleasant company and a stress free journey.
Now I must admit, this is perhaps the one time I did not do any prior research, so I was surprised to find it was a Ducal Palace built on the foundations of the Norman Castle.
Initially I was a bit deflated but it turned out to be an insight into both worlds, with an interesting museum built in. It really was a lovely bonus that the weather was bright and sunny.
The interior of the house itself does not have any really distinctive features that I could see but the displays are both informative and interesting. The highlight for me was finding a Turner painting hidden away in a drawer, one that I had never seen, although there are a lot of other artists’ work on display, so something to cater for a variety of tastes.
The lace dresses and the pottery provided an insight into the local industrial history and there are some superb examples on display. The history of the site itself, over the last 1100 years or so, demonstrates its strategic importance. There is a fascinating model that illustrates the layout of the castle and its associated structures, which helps in understanding just how the denizens lived cheek by jowl within the confined precincts of the community.
Although I didn't do the tour, there is a cave walk through the sandstone rock which, I understand from someone who did take the tour, leads to an exit at the base of the rock providing access to the castle for supply boats unloading on the river which used to run close to there. Donkeys were then used to transport the goods up through the cave tunnel to the castle and, next to the inn below, is the pen used to 'house' the donkeys that were used.
Enough of all that. The day was a great success and provided a good opportunity for those of us who had not been before and who may not have otherwise visited the site. The cafes were good, if a bit slow on service and a number of the thirsty travellers enjoyed the 'oldest Inn' under the shadow of the castle walls to round off the visit.
Another successful trip, full of friendship, fun and good companionship, rounded off by a comfortable journey back to the Interchange.
David Bryan