The Arkwright Building, Nottingham
The Arkwright Building is one of Nottingham鈥檚 most architecturally significant landmarks, renowned for its striking Gothic Revival design and its deep historical ties to education and scientific innovation. Built between 1877 and 1881 using Lancaster stone, it features classic Gothic elements such as pointed arches, pinnacles, gables, and intricate sculptural details. Originally designed by the celebrated architectural firm Lockwood and Mawson, the building was praised in its time as the 鈥渇inest pile of public buildings in Nottinghamshire.鈥�
Initially conceived to house University College Nottingham, the city library, and a natural history museum, Arkwright quickly became a cornerstone of Nottingham鈥檚 civic and academic life. Among its notable alumni was author D.H. Lawrence, who later immortalized the building in his novel The Rainbow. In its early years, the building also saw pioneering research by Professor Frederic Stanley Kipping, whose work on silicone polymers sparked a global industry.
Although it suffered extensive damage during a WWII bombing raid鈥攍osing two of its original six statues鈥攖he Arkwright Building has been sensitively restored. Today, four statues remain intact: Sir Isaac Newton, William Shakespeare, Sir Francis Bacon, and John Milton. The post-war restoration preserved not only the building鈥檚 ornate exterior but also many of its original internal features, including the Old Chemistry Theatre, which now serves as an event venue.
The building鈥檚 style reflects the broader 19th-century trend of using Gothic Revival architecture for educational institutions鈥攁 stylistic choice associated with tradition, intellectual pursuit, and spiritual aspiration. With elements like lancet windows, vaulted ceilings, and sculptural ornamentation, the Arkwright Building embodies both the Romantic nostalgia and the Victorian appetite for monumental public architecture.
Today, the Arkwright Building forms part of Nottingham Trent University and continues to play a vital role in the city's educational landscape. Its thoughtful preservation and adaptive reuse stand as a testament to Nottingham鈥檚 commitment to architectural heritage and innovation alike. Now Grade II listed, the building remains a prominent visual and cultural anchor in the heart of the city.
Initially conceived to house University College Nottingham, the city library, and a natural history museum, Arkwright quickly became a cornerstone of Nottingham鈥檚 civic and academic life. Among its notable alumni was author D.H. Lawrence, who later immortalized the building in his novel The Rainbow. In its early years, the building also saw pioneering research by Professor Frederic Stanley Kipping, whose work on silicone polymers sparked a global industry.
Although it suffered extensive damage during a WWII bombing raid鈥攍osing two of its original six statues鈥攖he Arkwright Building has been sensitively restored. Today, four statues remain intact: Sir Isaac Newton, William Shakespeare, Sir Francis Bacon, and John Milton. The post-war restoration preserved not only the building鈥檚 ornate exterior but also many of its original internal features, including the Old Chemistry Theatre, which now serves as an event venue.
The building鈥檚 style reflects the broader 19th-century trend of using Gothic Revival architecture for educational institutions鈥攁 stylistic choice associated with tradition, intellectual pursuit, and spiritual aspiration. With elements like lancet windows, vaulted ceilings, and sculptural ornamentation, the Arkwright Building embodies both the Romantic nostalgia and the Victorian appetite for monumental public architecture.
Today, the Arkwright Building forms part of Nottingham Trent University and continues to play a vital role in the city's educational landscape. Its thoughtful preservation and adaptive reuse stand as a testament to Nottingham鈥檚 commitment to architectural heritage and innovation alike. Now Grade II listed, the building remains a prominent visual and cultural anchor in the heart of the city.
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The Arkwright Building on Map
Sight Name: The Arkwright Building
Sight Location: Nottingham, England (See walking tours in Nottingham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nottingham, England (See walking tours in Nottingham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nottingham, England
Create Your Own Walk in Nottingham
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nottingham is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Nottingham Introduction Walking Tour
Nottingham was known only as "The Place of Caves" in 600 AD. A Saxon chief named Snot ruled "Snotingaham", or, "the home of Snot's people." It was part of Danelaw in the 7th century, administered from a stone Hall on High Pavement, the first street of Nottingham.
In 1068 Norman invaders built a wooden motte-and-bailey fortress on a high sandstone promontory.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
In 1068 Norman invaders built a wooden motte-and-bailey fortress on a high sandstone promontory.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Robin Hood Trail
There's hardly anyone on this planet who hasn't heard of Robin Hood. Apparently, a Saxon nobleman born in 1160 in Loxley, this hero of numerous ballads, some dating back as far as the 14th century, earned fame by robbing from the rich and giving it back to the poor. A skilled archer and sword fighter as he was, Robin Hood famously defended villagers from attacks by corrupt noblemen,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Nottingham's Historical Buildings
Given the variety of architectural styles and designs in Nottingham, England, it is safe to call it the city of contrasts. The tapestry of historical buildings found here, each weaving a unique story of the city's past, is quite rich and worthy of attention.
Among these architectural treasures is the Bell Inn, a charming establishment steeped in history and character. Its traditional... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Among these architectural treasures is the Bell Inn, a charming establishment steeped in history and character. Its traditional... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles