Nottinghamshire Day in England Date in the current year: August 25, 2024

Nottinghamshire is a ceremonial county in the East Midlands of England that borders South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire. It is probably most strongly associated with Sherwood Forest and the legend of Robin Hood, a heroic outlaw who robbed the rich and gave to the poor.

Nottinghamshire is believed to have existed as an organized territory as early as the 6th century, but the first mention of the shire of Nottingham is dated 1016, when it was seized by King Cnut the Great. Until 1568, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire were united under a single sheriff.

As we’ve mentioned, the first association that springs to mind when Nottinghamshire is mentioned is Robin Hood, a folk hero who is generally believed to have lived in the 12th century, during the reigns of Richard the Lionheart and King John. Robin Hood and his Merry Men from Sherwood Forest supported the common people of Nottinghamshire, protected the poor, and served as a symbol of justice and hope.

However, the history of Nottinghamshire is so much more than just the legend of Robin Hood. For example, did you know that the county has a direct link to the history of the United States? William Brewster, the leader of Puritans who came to North America on Mayflower and founded Plymouth Colony, was born in Nottinghamshire. His family home, the Scrooby Manor House, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the county. Nottinghamshire also played an important role in the English Civil War.

Nottinghamshire is also known for its links to various sports. It has more sports facilities per capita than anywhere else in Europe; Nottingham’s National Ice Center was the first Olympic-sized rink in the UK, and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground is the world’s third oldest Test cricket ground. Nottingham Forest F.C. is one of four English football clubs to have won the European Cup multiple types and one of the two English clubs to have one the trophy back-to-back, and Notts County F.C. is the world’s oldest professional football club.

Nottinghamshire Day (#NottsDay) is one of the most recently established county days in the UK; it was launched in 2021. The holiday is celebrated on August 25 to commemorate the start of the First English Civil War in which King Charles I and his supporters, known as Royalists or Cavaliers, fought against Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and Scottish Covenanters.

The King moved to Nottingham, which he chose due to its proximity to Royalist areas, at the beginning of August of 1642. He formally declared war on Parliamentarians on August 22 and raised the royal standard at Nottingham Castle three days later. Because of the important role of Nottinghamshire in the English Civil War, the anniversary of its start was chosen as the date of Nottinghamshire Day.

Nottinghamshire Day is celebrated with various events and activities, most of which are typically held during the weekend closest to August 25 as part of the annual Robin Hood Festival that takes place in the famous Sherwood Forest. They include guided walks, storytelling, outdoor concerts featuring medieval musicians, historical re-enactment, quizzes, axe throwing, archery, and other interactive activities. Celebratory events are also held at Newark Castle.