Old Market Square, Open square in central Nottingham, England
Old Market Square is a large open plaza in central Nottingham bounded by the grand Council House on one side and spreading across multiple hectares. The space is framed by historic buildings and provides ample room for walking and gathering.
The square began in the 11th century as a marketplace positioned between the Norman settlement and an older Anglo-Saxon community nearby. It gradually became a major commercial and social hub for the city over the following centuries.
The Council House dominates the square's appearance with its grand presence, and the two stone lions at its steps have long served as traditional gathering spots for locals and visitors alike. They have become integrated into how people naturally use and navigate the space.
The square is served by several tram lines with a station stop providing connections to different parts of the city. The pedestrian area is easy to enter and navigate, with plenty of space to slow down and get oriented.
A simple stainless steel drainage channel runs across the ground marking the location where a historic wall once separated livestock from goods for many centuries. This overlooked detail tells the story of how the space was originally organized for commerce.
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