23 September 2016

Martinmas Fair in Lenton, 22 October 2016

The Martinmas Fair returns on Saturday 22 October, celebrating Nottingham's medieval heritage and sharing the story of Lenton's lost medieval priory. It's taking place on Saturday 22 October, at 11-4pm (grand opening 12 noon), at Priory Park and Priory Church of St Anthony, Old Lenton, NG7 2NW.

Organised this year by the community, the Martinmas Fair brings to life the unique history and identity of our area, past and present. Discover Lenton Priory, the magnificent monastery destroyed by Henry VIII, and its famous medieval fair. With falconry, re-enactment, swordplay, have-a-go archery, crafts, music, storytelling, a closing lantern procession, tree decorating, archaeology, and local history, plus market stalls and food from Veggies (vegan/vegetarian) and a barbeque, there's something for everyone.

Heritage organisations involved include Access Artefacts (medieval object handling), the Galleries of Justice (medieval crime & punishment activities), the English Companions (Anglo Saxon life), Nottingham Hidden History (medieval Nottingham), Lenton Local History Society (Lenton Priory), Trent & Peak Archaeology (artefacts from recent excavations at Lenton Priory), the NLHA, and the Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust. English Combat in Dunkirk re-enactment group will be performing, and the lovely Polly demonstrating medieval spinning.

Short talks will be given by the English Companions (Anglo Saxon life in Lenton and Nottingham), Nottingham Hidden History (medieval Nottingham then and now), Trent & Peak Archaeology (the archaeology of Lenton Priory), and the Vicar of Lenton. Trent & Peak will also give several guided tours of Lenton Priory's (lost) precincts.

The fair will partly take place inside the historic Priory Church of St Anthony (with 13th-century chancel), and for one day only the small railed park housing the one surviving pillar from Lenton Priory will be open to the public. Holy Trinity Lenton, newly reopened after 2 years of roof work, and a very short walk from the fair, will similarly be open from 10.45 to 11.45 for those want to see the 12th-century font from Lenton Priory or other features inside the church (including memorials to Albert Ball VC, Samuel Adams, and WWI nurse Dorothea Crewdson).

NCMG's Friar Tuck will also be delivering a guided walk along the historic footpath linking Nottingham Castle and Lenton Priory, running through the site of the medieval royal hunting park, via Lenton Hermitge (a cell of Lenton Priory) and stopping at Holy Trinity to see the font (this is a separate activity and needs to be booked through NCMG).

There's a full provisional itinerary at http://martinmasfairlenton.weebly.com/whats-on.html or get in touch with Alison: 0115 8967400, or amontgomery@yorkat.co.uk

The event was made possible by funding from the Dunkirk & Lenton ward councillors, the NLHA, and the Area 4 Grants.

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For one day only, join Nottingham Castle's Friar Tuck and friends as he leads visitors from the town of Nottingham to Lenton Priory

Follow the historic footpath from Castle Rock, through the royal hunting park, and along the ancient route of the River Leen, to Lenton Priory.

En route you will encounter Lenton Hermitage, the priory's outpost in the caves beneath the Park.

Call in at Lenton's Holy Trinity and gaze in wonder at Lenton Priory's unequalled 12th century carved font, still in use today.

And finally, arrive at the home of Lenton Priory for its Martinmas Fair, where your procession will be greeted by musical fanfare as you arrive at 12 noon.

​The walk is free of charge and is approximately 1 mile in distance.

​For more information, and to book a place, please contact Friar Tuck at Nottingham Castle (nottingham.castle@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or 0115 8761400

22 September 2016

Nottingham Heritage Partnership launch event on 26 November 2016

Last year stakeholders throughout Nottingham launched a Heritage Strategy for the City. As part of the strategy there is a plan to establish a heritage partnership/forum for the City that will be open to all those groups and individuals who have a stake in heritage within Nottingham. The first meeting of the partnership will be on the 26 November, 9.30-4 at the Council House Ballroom.
Booking is through an eventbrite website (which is live now at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nottingham-heritage-partnership-launch-tickets-27928281241 ) or contact Alice Ullathorne by email (alice.ullathorne@nottinghamcity.gov.uk) or phone (0115 876 1993).