18 March 2009

Archaeologists in Jacksdale

Archaeologists from Nottinghamshire County Council undertook and excavation of Jacksdale's industrial past in appalling weather conditions at the end of last month. The project aimed to research and record the industrial archaeology of Jacksdale's wharf and uncovered the remains of Stone Row, built in the early 19th century and demolished in 1968, a canal basin and tramway.

See the Nottinghamshire County Council press release: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/newshome/newsarticle.htm?id=114102&Environment=t;

New history of Awsworth published

Local historian, Bryan Maloney, has just published a history of Awsworth after spending over nine years working on it. Bryan's book covers churches, schools, the coal industry, transport, the magnificant Bennerley Viaduct (which runs over the Erewash valley), 17th century glass making, engineering and iron making, and politics.

The book costs £8 and can be bought direct from the author: 07943 165189.

3 March 2009

Museums threatened with closure

The dire financial situation looks like it is about to hit the county's heritage as the Nottingham Evening Post reports that a number of museums are threatened with closure.

Broxtowe Borough Council is considering closing the D.H. Lawrence Heritage Centre at Durban House in Eastwood. I used to live opposite this handsome building (formerly the Barber Walker colliery company offices) and have enjoyed visiting the permanent exhibitions on Eastwood history, the coal industry in the area and Bert Lawrence. The temporary exhibitions have also been well worth seeing, particularly the recent one on coal mining put on by Anthony Kirby who has a splendid collection of coal mining memorabilia, photographs and artefacts. The D.H. Lawrence Society is fighting the closure and has organised a petition:
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Museums-Petitions-save-Durban-House/article-739585-detail/article.html

Not to be outdone Nottingham City Council has launched a 90-day consultation on its proposal to close the industrial museum at Wollaton Hall:
http://www.thihsisnottingham.co.uk/news/Nottingham-s-Industrial-Museum-set-close/article-739564-detail/article.html

The Nottingham Lace Centre, housed in one of Nottingham's oldest buildings, is also set to close in April:
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Nottingham-Lace-Centre-shut-doors/article-739322-detail/article.html

What next?