Nottingham

Nottingham is a city, unitary authority, and traditional county town of Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands of England. The centre of Nottingham lies on the River Leen and its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent, which flows from Stoke to the Humber. According to the 2001 census, Nottingham had an estimated city population of 275,100 which increased to an estimated 278,700 in 2005. The Nottingham Urban Area conurbation (which includes surrounding suburbs outside the city boundary such as Arnold, Carlton, West Bridgford and neighbouring towns) has a population of 666,358 (2001 figures). Nottingham is a member of the English Core Cities Group.

The heart of Nottingham City Centre is the Old Market Square, where a controversialmajor redevelopment was completed in May 2007. Most of the main shopping streets surround the square. The Old Council House, whose 200ft tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top of the square. In music hall times, many a visiting comedian would comment on stage; "If that's what the council houses are like here I'll put my name down!" Inside the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley is situated to the east of the city, close to the Lace Market area.