Old Market Square facts for kids

The Old Market Square (also known as Slab Square) is a big open space in Nottingham, England. It's like the heart of the city, covering an area of about 12,000 square metres (that's about 3 acres!). It’s one of the largest paved squares in the whole United Kingdom.

You'll find the square right in the middle of Nottingham City Centre. To the east, you'll see the impressive Nottingham Council House, which used to be Nottingham's main town hall. Because it's so big and open, the square is often used for exciting local events, fun fairs, concerts, and exhibitions.

History of Nottingham's Main Square

The Old Market Square has been a super important place in Nottingham for hundreds of years.

How the Square Began

Way back in the 11th century, before Nottingham was even a city, this area was a meeting point. It sat right between two early towns: the Norman town near Nottingham Castle and the old Anglo-Saxon town near St. Mary's Church. This central spot became a huge market, helping Nottingham grow around it.

There was even a wall that divided the two towns! When the square was redesigned in the 2000s, a special stainless steel line was put in the ground. This line shows where that old wall used to be, separating areas for livestock from food stalls.

Famous Events and Traditions

The square was the original home of the Nottingham Goose Fair. This annual fair, which started over 700 years ago, is still a big event in Nottingham today. The Goose Fair moved from the square in 1928 to make way for new developments.

One of England's very first banks, Smith's Bank, started here in 1688. Its modern-day version, the National Westminster Bank, is still in the same spot!

The square has always been a place where people gather. Important moments in Nottingham's history have happened right here. For example, the Luddites, a group of textile workers, protested here in the early 1800s. They were upset about new machines taking their jobs.

Celebrating Sporting Heroes

The Old Market Square is also where Nottingham celebrates its sporting champions! When Nottingham Forest Football Club won big trophies like the European Cup and the FA Cup, the players showed them off to huge crowds in the square.

In 1984, famous ice dancers Torvill and Dean, who won Olympic gold, stood on the Council House balcony to greet their fans.

A memorial service for Nottingham Forest's much-loved former manager, Brian Clough, was held here in 2004. You can find a statue of Brian Clough just off the square, near King Street and Queen Street.

Robin Hood and Modern Life

Legend says that the famous outlaw Robin Hood once won a silver arrow in a contest right here in the Market Square! This contest was set up by the Sheriff of Nottingham himself.

Today, the square is surrounded by many shops, restaurants, and department stores. You can also find the city's tourist information centre nearby. The Bell Inn, one of the oldest pubs in the UK (dating back to 1276!), is also at the back of the square.

Seasonal Fun

Every December, the square transforms into a magical German Weihnachtsmarkt. It's also the main place for New Year's Eve celebrations and where the city's Christmas Lights are switched on.

In 2008, a giant Ferris wheel was set up in the square. It was first called the Nottingham Eye, but later changed to the Wheel of Nottingham. At 60 metres tall, it offered amazing views of the city!

Cool Features of the Square

The Lions

You'll see two big stone lions guarding the steps of the Council House. These lions are a popular symbol of Nottingham. The 'Left Lion' is a famous meeting spot for locals. The sculptor, Joseph Else, named them "Agamemnon and Menelaus" after two brothers from Greek mythology. People also sometimes call them "Leo and Oscar" or "Lennie and Ronnie."

Sparkling Fountains

The square has some fantastic water features. The current design, finished in 2007, includes new fountains and waterfalls on the west side. These are very popular, especially on hot days!

Tram Stop

On the southern side of the square, you'll find the Nottingham Express Transit's Old Market Square tram stop. Trams run around the edge of the square, making it easy to get around the city. The Market Square used to be busy with cars, but now it's mostly for pedestrians, trams, and buses.

Speaker's Corner

On February 22, 2009, Nottingham opened its very own Speaker's Corner. This was the first official Speaker's Corner outside of London! It's a special place where people can come and share their ideas and opinions with others. It's located near the statue of Brian Clough.

The Square's Redesign

The Old Market Square was redesigned by Gustafson Porter in 2004, and the new look was finished in March 2007. The project cost about £17 million. No buildings were added or removed; most of the money was spent on beautiful granite paving stones in different shades.

The new design created a single, open space. It even brought back the idea of the ancient border that once divided Nottingham. The new water features with jet fountains and waterfalls are a highlight.

The square was designed to be a great place for public events. Since its reopening, it has hosted many successful gatherings, including concerts, parades, and a regular local farmers' market.