Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire is a county located in the East Midlands region of England. It's known for its rich history, beautiful countryside, and cultural attractions.^[1] The county town is Nottingham, which is also the largest city with a population of 323,632 in 2021.^[2] Nottinghamshire is famous for being the legendary home of Robin Hood. The county borders South Yorkshire to the northwest, Lincolnshire to the east, Leicestershire to the south, and Derbyshire to the west.

The population of Nottinghamshire is 834,822 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the Office for National Statistics. Nottinghamshire's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 1.1% per year. Nottinghamshire covers an area of 2,085 square kilometers (805 square miles) and has a population density of 400 people per square kilometer (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.^[3] According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Nottinghamshire is predominantly white (93%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 7% of the population.^[3]

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Nottinghamshire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsNottinghamshire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

Much of the county is characterized by gently rolling hills, particularly in areas like the Vale of Belvoir. The iconic ancient woodland of Sherwood Forest is perhaps the county's most famous feature. While much of the original forest has been cleared, it still retains areas of mature oak trees, offering a glimpse into its historical significance. The River Trent^[4] flows though the county town of Nottingham.^[4]

During the industrial revolution canals and railways came to the county, and the lace and cotton industries grew. During the 19th century and for most of the 20th century collieries mining became an important economic sector. ^[5] Based on the total number of jobs, the largest industries in Nottinghamshire are the wholesale and retail trade and the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Other major industries include Manufacturing, Human Health And Social Work Activities.^[6]

Historically, agriculture in the county was dominated by open field agriculture, particularly along the Trent Valley. Less intensive methods were used on the sandy soils of the Sherwood Forest area. in the 17th to 19th century enclosure acts gradually replaced the open field system with enclosed fields, leading to more efficient farming practices. This period also saw significant agricultural improvements and the introduction of crop rotation. By the 20th century agriculture in Nottinghamshire continued to evolve with technological advancements, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. Today, Nottinghamshire's agriculture includes a mix of arable farming, livestock rearing, and dairy farming, contributing to the region's economy and heritage.^[7]

Tourism plays a significant role, with attractions such as Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle, The city of Nottingham itself drawing visitors. North of Nottingham is Sherwood Forest, shrunk since the Middle Ages but still with many acres of woodland, particularly around Ollerton. Sherwood is famous as the legendary haunt of Robin Hood. Beyond Sherwood lie the great parks of “the Dukeries”; Clumber, Rufford, Thoresby, and Welbeck.^[8]

Nottinghamshire historyNottinghamshire history

Evidence suggests human habitation in the area as far back as the Paleolithic period. Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements also existed, with archaeological finds indicating farming and early metalworking. Evidence of human activity from the Later Upper Paleolithic includes flint objects found in Bingham, which are in the Nottingham University Museum. ^[9]

The Romans arrived in Britain in 43 AD. Nottinghamshire lay within the Roman province of Britannia. The Fosse Way, a major Roman road, passed through the county, connecting Lincoln to Bath. Roman settlements and forts were established, with evidence found in Mansfield and other locations.

After the Romans withdrew (beginning in 383 AD, Anglo-Saxon tribes (c. 5th-11th Centuries), primarily Angles, settled in the region. The area became part of the Kingdom of Mercia. Nottingham itself was founded by the Angles, likely in the 6th century. Vikings invaded (9th Century) and established control over parts of England, including Nottingham. The town became one of the "Five Boroughs" of the Danelaw, areas under Viking influence.

The Norman invasion led by William the Conqueror brought significant changes.^[10] Nottingham Castle was built by the Normans, dominating the town. The feudal system was established, with land ownership concentrated in the hands of Norman lords.^[11]

In the 16th Century, the Reformation had a significant impact on religious life in the county. The dissolution of monasteries under King Henry VIII led to the closure of religious houses.^[12] The growth of the wool trade contributed to the region's economy.^[13]

The English Civil War (1642-1651) saw Nottinghamshire divided in its loyalties. The county experienced both Royalist and Parliamentarian support.^[14] The Industrial Revolution began to have an impact, with early developments in coal mining.^[15]

During the 18th Century the Industrial Revolution gained momentum and coal mining and textile industries expanded significantly.^[16] Nottingham became an important center for lace-making.^[17]

The county experienced rapid industrial growth in the 19th century and the development of railways improved transportation and facilitated trade. However, social and economic inequalities became more pronounced, leading to social unrest.^[18]

In the 20th Century the two World Wars had a profound impact on the county. Industrial decline in the latter half of the century led to economic challenges. However, the development of new industries, such as aerospace and pharmaceuticals, helped to diversify the economy.^[19]

Nottinghamshire parishes and unparished areasNottinghamshire parishes and unparished areas

Nottinghamshire has 234 civil parishes in 8 districts.^[20] It has parish councils, district and borough councils, and local councils in a three tier government. Some areas within Nottinghamshire are not part of any civil parish. These areas fall under the direct administration of the relevant district council (e.g., Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, Nottingham, Rushcliffe).^[21]

Nottinghamshire geographyNottinghamshire geography

Nottinghamshire is located in the middle of England, bordering Yorkshire to the north. It doesn't touch the sea, and most of the land is quite flat, rarely rising above 600 feet. The River Trent, a major river in the Midlands, flows through the southern part of the county. The city of Nottingham is one of the biggest cities in the Midlands, featuring a medieval castle built on a sandstone hill with a view over the River Trent.^[8]

Researching family history in NottinghamshireResearching family history in Nottinghamshire

The Nottinghamshire County Council has a helpful family history web page with instructions and link. The Nottinghamshire Family History Society has various genealogy databases. The Nottinghamshire Inspire web site has information about visiting the archive and a collection family history videos. The University of Nottinghamshire Manuscripts and Special Collections' holdings include the papers of leading Nottinghamshire families and their estates and the records of local businesses and organisations, including those of the Archdeaconry of Nottingham. There are also collections of the papers of political, diplomatic, literary, scientific and academic figures.^[8]

Ethnicities in NottinghamshireEthnicities in Nottinghamshire

The demographic distribution of the Nottinghamshire population is as follows:

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Nottinghamshire is predominantly white (93.0%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 7.0% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in Nottinghamshire accounting for 3.0% of the population. 9,932 or 1% of the Nottinghamshire population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

Population by race in Nottinghamshire, 2021 census

White - 767,224 people or 93.0%
Asian - 24,523 people or 3.0%
Mixed - 17,103 people or 2.1%
Black - 9,932 people or 1.2%
Other - 6,038 people or 0.7%

Surnames in NottinghamshireSurnames in Nottinghamshire

The demographic distribution of Nottinghamshire surnames is as follows:^[22]

Surname	Incidence	Frequency
Smith	16,718	1:67
Brown	7,717	1:146
Taylor	6,584	1:171
Jones	5,988	1:188
Wright	5,596	1:201
Wilson	5,202	1:216
Johnson	4,779	1:235
Walker	4,749	1:237
Clarke	4,494	1:250
Williams	4,301	1:262

Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

References

[1] Ten things Nottingham is famous for

[2] How Big is Nottingham and What is it Famous For?

[:0-3] 3.0 ^3.1 Nottinghamshire Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing

[:2-4] 4.0 ^4.1 River Trent

[5] About Nottinghamshire

[6] Nottinghamshire Economy | Labour Market & Industries

[7] History of Nottinghamshire Farming

[:1-8] 8.0 ^8.1 ^8.2 Nottinghamshire

[9] Archaeology

[10] The Impact of the Norman Conquest of England - World History Encyclopedia

[11] Norman Conquest | Definition, Summary, & Facts | Britannica

[12] Out of Time: How King Henry VIII’s Reformation Triggered a Rebellion That Put Nottingham at the Heart of a National Power Struggle

[13] The Midlands Woollen Industry

[14] English Civil War - Visit Nottinghamshire

[15] The Nottinghamshire Heritage Gateway > Themes > The coal industry in Nottinghamshire > Overview

[16] From 30 to zero - a history of Nottinghamshire's coal mines

[17] LibraryOn - Special Collection

[18] The Nottinghamshire Heritage Gateway > Places > Nottingham > Overview: the 19th century

[19] The Nottinghamshire Heritage Gateway > Places > Nottingham > Overview: the 20th century

[20] About: List of civil parishes in Nottinghamshire

[21] Local government structure in Nottinghamshire

[22] Most Common Surnames in Nottinghamshire, With Meanings

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