A Guide to the Lace Market, Nottingham | History & Things to Do
There are places you walk into that feel like a different city, a different time. For me, that’s Nottingham’s Lace Market.
The moment you step off the bustling main streets and turn into its narrow lanes, the world changes. The sky is suddenly framed by towering canyons of red brick, and the air feels thick with history.
It’s a place that buzzes with a modern, creative energy, yet the ghosts of its industrial past are everywhere you look.
It’s a curious name, the Lace Market, because it was never a market in the traditional sense, with stalls and traders shouting their wares. This was the commercial heart of a global empire—the British Empire’s lace industry.
Within this dense, quarter-mile square, fortunes were made, deals were struck, and intricate lace was designed, stored, and sold to the world. It’s a story of incredible boom, dramatic decline, and a vibrant, inspiring rebirth.
A Story Woven in Thread and Brick
The Lace Market isn’t just historic; it’s the oldest part of Nottingham, the original Anglo-Saxon settlement of “Snotingaham“.
Long before the Normans built their castle on the opposite hill, this was the town’s core.
But its identity was forged in the 19th century. Following inventions like the knitting frame, Nottingham became the world leader in machine-made lace.
At its peak in the 1890s, the industry employed 25,000 people, mostly women, whose skilled hands finished the delicate fabrics that poured out of the city’s factories.
The grand warehouses that still dominate the skyline were built during this era—impressive, confident buildings with huge windows on their upper floors to let in as much natural light as possible for the detailed finishing work.
But as technology changed, the industry declined. By the 1970s, many of these magnificent buildings had fallen into dereliction, their grand showrooms empty and silent.
Thankfully, a renaissance began. The area was designated a protected conservation area, and a new generation saw the potential in these beautiful old buildings.
Today, the Lace Market has been reborn as the heart of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter, a hub for digital businesses, designers, independent shops, and some of the city’s best nightlife.
An Architectural Stroll: What to See
The best way to experience the Lace Market is simply to get lost in it. My favourite route starts on Stoney Street. Here, the buildings feel like cliffs of brick and stone, and you get a real sense of the area’s industrial might.
The undisputed star of the show is the Adams Building. This colossal former lace warehouse is a masterpiece of Victorian design.
It was built for Thomas Adams, a Quaker industrialist who, unusually for the time, was deeply concerned with the welfare of his workers.
The building even included a chapel for them. Today it’s part of the city’s college, but you can still admire its incredible neo-Renaissance facade from the street.
Just a short walk away on High Pavement, you’ll find St Mary’s Church, a stunning contrast to the industrial architecture surrounding it.
As the city’s oldest and largest medieval church, its history predates the lace industry by centuries, with the current structure completed around 1474. Its peaceful interior is a wonderful place to step away from the city buzz.
The Modern Heartbeat: What to Do
The Lace Market isn’t just a place to look at history; it’s a place to experience modern Nottingham at its best. It’s home to some of the city’s top attractions.
National Justice Museum: Located in the imposing old Shire Hall on High Pavement, this immersive museum offers a fascinating and often chilling journey through the history of crime and punishment.
Nottingham Contemporary: On the edge of the district, this striking modern building is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries, with free entry to its international exhibitions.
Beyond the big attractions, the area, along with the adjoining neighbourhood of Hockley, is a paradise for anyone who loves independent culture.
The old warehouses now house everything from design agencies and luxury apartments to quirky bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, you can even find shops that sell beautiful items made with authentic Nottingham lace.
Historic Pubs and Hidden Haunts
After a day of walking through history, there’s nothing better than stepping into a traditional pub. The Lace Market has some real gems, full of character.
One of my favourites is the Cock and Hoop on High Pavement. It’s a cosy, traditional ale house, part of the Lace Market Hotel, with a fantastic range of local craft beers and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.
But like everything in this area, it has a story. Before it was the Cock and Hoop, it was known as the County Tavern, and its location directly opposite the National Justice Museum (then the Shire Hall and County Gaol) gave it a unique, if rather grim, purpose.
It was a prime viewing spot for the public hangings that took place on the steps opposite. It’s a chilling thought to have over a pint, but it’s a powerful reminder of the raw history that lives in every corner of this district.
Keep an eye out for clever conversions, too. Like the Pitcher & Piano bar, housed in a magnificent former Unitarian chapel. It’s a spectacular setting for a drink.
For me, the Lace Market is the soul of Nottingham. It’s a place that wears its history with pride while embracing the future with creative energy. It’s a reminder that even after the machines fall silent, the spirit of innovation and reinvention lives on.
For more to discover close by, head under Nottingham and delve into the City of Caves.
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