Background of the Riots

One of the most dramatic episodes in Nottingham Castle’s history occurred in October 1831. The city, like much of England, was embroiled in the movement for parliamentary reform. Working-class citizens demanded broader voting rights and an end to the aristocratic monopoly on power.

Nottingham was a center of agitation, and tensions culminated in riots when the Duke of Newcastle, a symbol of the old order, refused to support reform.

The Burning of Nottingham Castle

On the night of October 10, 1831, a large crowd of protesters attacked Nottingham Castle, which was then the residence of the Duke of Newcastle. They set fire to the ducal mansion, reducing much of it to ruins.

The destruction was a powerful statement against political repression and aristocratic privilege. The burnt ruins remained for decades and symbolized social unrest and the struggle for democracy.

Architectural Features and Archaeology

The Original Keep and Walls

Although most of the medieval castle was destroyed in the mid-17th century, archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of the original stone keep, curtain walls, and defensive ditches.

These findings reveal the scale and sophistication of the Norman and medieval fortifications, including features such as arrow slits, battlements, and gatehouses.

The Ducal Mansion

The 17th-century mansion, though altered and partially destroyed in the 1831 fire, still retains architectural elements typical of the Baroque period, including grand staircases, ornate plasterwork, and classical facades.

Restoration efforts have preserved and showcased these features, highlighting the contrast between the medieval fortress and the elegant aristocratic residence. shutdown123