Discover the amazing history of Nottingham's cave network - from medieval breweries to slums

They have been used by people for all kinds of reason for about 1,000 years at least

Hundreds of years of refuge and recreation in Nottingham's caves are being explored in a new free exhibition, which runs from now until next March. University of Nottingham researchers have created a historical archive which looks at the ways in which the caves have been used since medieval times.

From medieval tanneries and breweries to the overcrowded slums and makeshift air-raid shelters of the 19 ^th and 20 ^th centuries, people have left behind traces of their lives to be uncovered by future generations. The caves have also made their mark on the local imagination, as the backdrop to the dramatic capture of Roger Mortimer in a rock-cut passage beneath Nottingham Castle and the hatching of secret Luddite plots alike. These stories – whether legends of Robin Hood or adventures of latter-day urban explorers – have now been brought together for the first time.

Curated by Dr Chris King and Dr Charlotte May of the university's department of classics and archaeology, and manuscripts and special collections, the exhibition showcases many hidden gems from the university’s rare books and archives which shine a light on life beneath the ground from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Dr May, said: “This exhibition brings together stories about Nottingham city centre ’s extraordinary caves, from records of those who have used and excavated these subterranean spaces to the myths and legends that continue to fascinate people."

Visitors can look forward to seeing medieval manuscripts and detailed drawings by notable 19 ^th century architect TC Hine, which show the majestic Park Tunnel and the mysterious rock holes also found on that estate, which have long been rumoured to be priest holes.

One of the most intriguing exhibits is the Knight Jug, loaned by Nottingham City Museums and Galleries. The 13 ^th century green glazed jug was discovered in 1955 by the Peverel Archaeological Group in a cave that had been used as a medieval midden – a dunghill where refuse was discarded. It features an intricate design of knights on horseback chasing stags and has a spout in the form of a bearded man, indicating that it was an object of some prestige.

The exhibition runs until March 9, 2025 at Lakeside Arts Weston Gallery and a series of talks in connection to Tales from the Caves will also be taking place. Find out more here.