Severns Building, Nottingham
The Severns Building is one of Nottingham鈥檚 rare surviving medieval timber-framed structures, dating back to around 1450. Originally a merchant鈥檚 house located at 10 Middle Pavement, it鈥檚 a textbook example of classic Tudor architecture, featuring jettied upper floors, exposed oak framing, and rendered nogging.
Over the centuries, the building has served many roles鈥攆rom housing a 15th-century merchant to becoming the office of architects Samuel Dutton Walker and John Howitt in the late 1800s, and later, the headquarters of John and James Severn鈥檚 wine and spirit import business, established in 1735. The Severns connection gave the building its name.
During WWII, the rear yard was damaged in the Nottingham Blitz. After the war, the structure faced further threats from urban redevelopment, especially during plans to widen Middle Pavement and construct the Broadmarsh Centre. To save it, Nottingham City Council stepped in. In 1968, the building was carefully dismantled, each timber numbered and restored, and re-erected by 1970 at a new site on Castle Road, near Nottingham Castle.
Between 1980 and 2009, the Severns Building was repurposed as a lace museum and shop, telling the story of Nottingham鈥檚 famed lace industry and selling lace goods. It was sold to a local developer in 2013, along with nearby heritage buildings.
Though no longer on its original foundations, the Severns Building stands today as a preserved piece of Nottingham鈥檚 medieval and mercantile past, now part of the city鈥檚 historic Castle Quarter.
Over the centuries, the building has served many roles鈥攆rom housing a 15th-century merchant to becoming the office of architects Samuel Dutton Walker and John Howitt in the late 1800s, and later, the headquarters of John and James Severn鈥檚 wine and spirit import business, established in 1735. The Severns connection gave the building its name.
During WWII, the rear yard was damaged in the Nottingham Blitz. After the war, the structure faced further threats from urban redevelopment, especially during plans to widen Middle Pavement and construct the Broadmarsh Centre. To save it, Nottingham City Council stepped in. In 1968, the building was carefully dismantled, each timber numbered and restored, and re-erected by 1970 at a new site on Castle Road, near Nottingham Castle.
Between 1980 and 2009, the Severns Building was repurposed as a lace museum and shop, telling the story of Nottingham鈥檚 famed lace industry and selling lace goods. It was sold to a local developer in 2013, along with nearby heritage buildings.
Though no longer on its original foundations, the Severns Building stands today as a preserved piece of Nottingham鈥檚 medieval and mercantile past, now part of the city鈥檚 historic Castle Quarter.
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Severns Building on Map
Sight Name: Severns Building
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.
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
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'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