The Offices of Watson Fothergill, Nottingham
Perched on George Street in Nottingham, the Offices of Watson Fothergill stand as a rich architectural tribute to one of the city鈥檚 most flamboyant and distinctive Victorian architects. Designed and completed in 1895, the building was Fothergill鈥檚 workspace following the forced relocation of his practice due to the construction of Nottingham Victoria Station. Today, it remains a Grade II listed building, emblematic of his signature Gothic Revival and Old English vernacular style.
The fa莽ade is a feast of intricate design and symbolic tribute. Red brick meets black timber in ornamental arrangements, punctuated by polychrome brickwork and carved stone. High above the entrance, a statue of a medieval architect holds rolled plans beside a miniature cathedral鈥攚idely thought to be a self-reflective homage by Fothergill. Below, busts of his heroes鈥擜ugustus Pugin and George Edmund Street鈥攆lank the elevation, with the names of George Gilbert Scott, William Burges, and Richard Norman Shaw inscribed, cementing his admiration for the great minds of British Gothic.
Born in Mansfield in 1841 as Fothergill Watson, he trained in Nottingham and London before opening his practice in 1864. He went on to design over a hundred buildings in and around Nottingham, known for their textured details, turrets, animal carvings, and striking use of red and blue bricks with decorative woodwork.
The George Street office is perhaps his most personal creation鈥攁n embodiment of his aesthetic and ideals. Even after suffering structural damage from a vehicle collision in 2015, it was meticulously restored by 2018, a testament to its architectural and cultural value.
Fothergill died in 1928 at the age of 87, but his legacy continues to shape Nottingham鈥檚 skyline and identity, with his office remaining a vivid marker of both Victorian creativity and personal vision.
The fa莽ade is a feast of intricate design and symbolic tribute. Red brick meets black timber in ornamental arrangements, punctuated by polychrome brickwork and carved stone. High above the entrance, a statue of a medieval architect holds rolled plans beside a miniature cathedral鈥攚idely thought to be a self-reflective homage by Fothergill. Below, busts of his heroes鈥擜ugustus Pugin and George Edmund Street鈥攆lank the elevation, with the names of George Gilbert Scott, William Burges, and Richard Norman Shaw inscribed, cementing his admiration for the great minds of British Gothic.
Born in Mansfield in 1841 as Fothergill Watson, he trained in Nottingham and London before opening his practice in 1864. He went on to design over a hundred buildings in and around Nottingham, known for their textured details, turrets, animal carvings, and striking use of red and blue bricks with decorative woodwork.
The George Street office is perhaps his most personal creation鈥攁n embodiment of his aesthetic and ideals. Even after suffering structural damage from a vehicle collision in 2015, it was meticulously restored by 2018, a testament to its architectural and cultural value.
Fothergill died in 1928 at the age of 87, but his legacy continues to shape Nottingham鈥檚 skyline and identity, with his office remaining a vivid marker of both Victorian creativity and personal vision.
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The Offices of Watson Fothergill on Map
Sight Name: The Offices of Watson Fothergill
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.
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 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
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