Nottingham City Center 1974

This movie was originally filmed on super 8mm film so the video quality is not as good as today's camcorders but I hope it brings back some memories for some folks

[@karlsue]

I was born in nottingham in 1972 and I find it hard to believe that I was alive when the world looked like this, its at moments like these when you take the time to stop and look back, you realise how quickly the years have flown by.

[@cmdfarsight]

I'm very grateful for having been alive in this time. The city (and country) was friendlier, safer and generally a nicer place to live.

[@greenflock8091]

@@cmdfarsightare you still alive

[@johnsmith-bx4rn]

​@@greenflock8091are you still alive in 2024

[@betaville72]

@@greenflock8091 no reply...

[@superbracey]

And you were in your early 40s when you wrote this and now you're in your 50s. I'm 10 years behind you but starting to find it a bit scary.

[@nickybudge3914]

Im 58 and i remember when Nottingham was an amazing city So sad its so rundown now 😢😢😢😢😢

[@peterhunt2723]

I'm 78 years old, Nottingham stopped being a proper town when Griffin and Spaldings and the like disappeared. We lived south of the city until 1987 when we moved north of the city and stopped going unless absolutely necessary. Such a shame. Met my wife of 53 years at the Palais......great days the 60's!

[@budte]

I have never been to Nottingham, but what you relate about lost city centres I think is true all over the country, Many will not appreciate what is lost until it is gone.

[@robertbruce7686]

Palais has reopened apparently (you two could go to reminisce?)

[@peterhunt2723]

@@robertbruce7686 super memories but I think at 83 I might struggle a bit now!

[@EdgarsCursed]

I was born in Nottingham in 1974. I cannot believe you have this film. It's simply amazing! We left the UK for the US in 1977, but I recently made a trip back to Nottingham in 2009. It's an amazing city with amazing people. I now in live in Seattle, WA, but I am so proud to say I was born in Nottingham. Cheers! Thanks for the post!

[@cmdfarsight]

I was born same year. I understand how proud you feel.

[@sallycatlin5903]

Another Nottingham expat here in central WA. The first time I went back to that area I hardly recognized it. It had changed so much. Born in Derby but also proud to say raised in Nottingham.

[@tigerlillyfeelfree1695]

I was born nottingham 1974 and left in 1977 to go to Scotland

[@johnsmith-bx4rn]

i was 22 years old when this was filmed i'm 67 years old now makes me feel like going out and getting pissed up

[@dorothy792]

Same here. I was 22.

[@smartscratcheastmidlands6589]

Be proud of it pal....I'm 35 years old and spent many days around town since I was 12 and also nights out from a young age of 15. Use to be great days but Nottingham has changed for the worse and that started from 2005, my mum always took me too from the age of 5 but it always had the same feeling as them years went on, but it's changed we are a small city trying to be london, the nottm people which was always respect has gone aswell as scum like rats on the street. I always had the odd night out but from 05 it's just changed every year and always about the students which they treat it like it's nothing, I had a night out just gone on the 3rd of Jan and I come to terms that them nights are over as it's not my scene anymore....All about holidays I feel in life and even came close saying goodbye to nottm with only the memorys 👍

[@Danny-ce5zf]

Well said

[@johnmasters504]

@@dorothy792 i m 62

[@dorothy792]

@@johnmasters504 Im 67 now. Cant even get over to Nottm from Sheffield for a day because of this lockdown - sad.

[@donaldsrump]

This depicts Nottingham exactly as I first saw it as a student, and it brings back poignant memories. I remember there used to be a Habitat shop near the water clock in the Victoria Centre but unlike some of my fellow-students I couldn't afford most of the trendy stuff they sold. I can remember the Friar Tuck restaurant and also there used to be a Wimpey restaurant on Maid Marian way, I think, which used to provide good cheap food on an actual plate with a knife and fork well before McDonalds and Burger King arrived.

[@rusko123]

pity Beatties toy shop wasnt shown ,best window displays ever

[@andrewlowe8488]

I was 5 when this was filmed. Made me cry. I know it's unlikely that I'd be caught on camera but the boy watching the water clock at 1' 20" looks just like me. Thanks so much for this.

[@seanblack9929]

i used to stand watching that clock for about an hour whilst me mum went shoppin

[@ProfessorApplejack]

My mum was training to be a nurse in Nottingham around this time, I showed her this video and she got really nostalgic and emotional :) It's nice to see how Notts looked long before I was born.

[@debbiecrisp6872]

This is the wonderful city centre as I remember it as a child. Such a lot of happy memories! Best place in the world. Thanks so much for this!

[@christopherhill130]

oh, great to see Slab Square as it used to be and as it still should be. I remember the opening of the water clock and everyone standing around when it was due to chime. great vid - great memories

[@angelafollon7635]

I worked in the arcade for Curry & Paxtons opticians brilliant happy times the night life clubs were fab, how lucky I was to be in Nottingham xx

[@sollylab]

Sorry folks, I do not have any more video of the city centre. When I took this it was long before You-Tube and I never thought it would interest anybody but immediate family. Thanks for viewing it

[@philbentleyguitar7175]

I was born in Nottingham in 1962 and lived there until I left in 1999 to move to NZ and then on to Australia. I have been back a few times since then to visit family and have even tried to resettle in the UK but could find work in and around the south eg London and Oxford. Too expensive in those areas so I have moved back to Australia. Still hoping to find a teaching job closer to Nottingham. Great old film, which has brought back many memories. I miss home

[@eddiewillers1]

Incredible! Took me right back - haven't seen Nottingham like that since I left in '79.

[@stevenmcneil9800]

Thank you 💗 for good memories gone but not forgotten

[@fettlerjohn3419]

Couple of years ago I went back to Nottingham City after being away for many years and it felt like I'd landed on a different planet!

[@therajaofashbourne8483]

yeahh I grew up goin into the centre a lot as a kid from like 2005 to 2011, moved back in 2023 and it'd changed so much! lots of hong kongers and east asians starting up shops in the centre completely changed the vibe in places, broadmarsh demolished, bigger tram system out to Clifton, waay more studenty and shiny modern NTU campus - just surreal honestly

[@fettlerjohn3419]

@therajaofashbourne8483 Good choice of words, surreal indeed.

[@JustTheGman]

Brilliant video with lots of old memories. It was amazing to see the view from Castle Rock and how many chimney stacks were there from the mills and factories. A stark contrast to today as many companies fell by the wayside or moved out as they were subjected to massive city-centre taxes. Nottingham is still a wonderful city.

[@cmdfarsight]

I miss the city looking like it did. I was only 3 months when this was taken but there wasn't much change between then and '84. When I think of the city how it is now and how much history has been destroyed in the name of progress and backhanders it makes me sad. Thanks for uploading this video. It's a bitter sweet memory of a time lost forever.

[@michaelsmith-sh5zr]

Yeah, Brilliant Times. You Could Drive Anywhere & Park Up Anywhere Whilst You Did A Bit Of Shopping Etc. All The Shops Were Bursting With Customers Then, Spending Their Hard Earned Cash. Unlike Today, You Get Charged To Park Anywhere By The Greedy Council, And Most Of The Shops Are Closed Down. There Are More Traffic Wardens, And Community Offices Than Shoppers, Very Very Sad How The City Has Turned Out.

[@darrenstantonlive6824]

A great post. It’s such a terrible shame how in under 40 years nottingham is a retail ghost town. Destroyed never to be returned.

[@sizex1966]

Wow & I've just found this now, I'm a 66 kid born in Nottingham, City Hospital, & it sure did bring back memories, they live like people do!!! Thankz U Guidance & Protection Mannerz & Respect ✊🏾💯

[@johnelliott7501]

Both my grandparents lived in Nottingham and I can remember being taken up Goldsmith street across Victoria station to the market,This would have been about 1947. My other grandparents lived on Rupert Street on the other side of town and I can remember the trolley bus that used to go at quite a speed down the hill from the market square down to arkwright street,I think a shopping centre was built across the road later.

[@davidappleton2208]

Born and bred Nottingham. Had to move. Miss it immensely. Travelled many times from Victoria. Loved to look down from the bridge that crossed the track. Used to be called Queen of the Midlands. Don’t know if it still is

[@professerht]

Gosh this is before my time but its amazing that it use to look like that

[@thennowforeverforest]

Its cool seeing a side of Nottingham I never got to see , nice video mate :)

[@KhloeMai]

Watching this and being 17 and thinking that this is the Nottingham my parents grew up in, and the Nottingham my grandparents know even better than them is just the weirdest feeling. It's very beautiful... In it's own weird little way.

[@kubhlaikhan2015]

I can't believe some people can't believe its changed so much. Actually it looks almost the bloody same to me.

[@davescrazycam]

Thank you for the memorie lane , i was eight at the time of this video and living in Bingham , always travelled to Nottingham for our shopping , such fond times .

[@monkeysface888]

I live in Nottingham, have done for 19 years. And it's amazing how much things have changed. I'm considering doing my own version of this video, go to the same places and film the same things so people can see how much it has changed :')

[@lynnkandola6220]

Great idea

[@betaville72]

The place died when they got rid of Selectadisc, followed by the Broadmarsh.

[@RetroRegan]

Great to see the Aqua Horological Titinabulator, or Emett clock as it's also known as. Designed by Rowland Emett who also designed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

[@StephenLyons-tl8ie]

Nottingham; now the city that fines drivers for merely entering it.

[@sallycatlin5903]

What great memories this evoked. I was in my late teens, early 20s during this time and attending Clarendon College up the Mansfield Road. So many memories. Goose Fair. We used to meet at the stone lions in front of the council chambers. Every once in a while, someone would put dish washing soap{?} in the fountains and there would be a ton of bubbles over the area!! Drinking at the Flying horse, which I believe was demolished around this time. The video brought back many great memories. Thank you.

[@TheCaincj]

I moved to Nottingham in April 1975 (when I was 27) and it is great to be reminded of how it looked back then. Of course the Victoria Center was virtually brand new then and the "Emmett" water clock was a fascination, just compare how everyone was gazing at it not like now. Also it brings back memories to see how we used to dress back then; much more formal.

[@johnb6090]

Yes and notice how few fat people there as well

[@mrmagicroundcircle]

used to frequent yates wine lodge at this time when dublin danny kept the place .we would drink at a small bar on the left hand side downstairs known by locals as connies bar named after the lady who served there renowned for no nonsense.

[@mickeytaker4255]

I hate getting old. I hate nostalgia. I hate the world.

[@brodauk]

I❤️ Nottingham

[@mark.kelley1928]

I was there at the opening of the Victoria centre, I was born in 1964 lived in sneinton and st-Anne’s good days back then, a much simpler way of life, no distractions with a mobile phone lol 😂 living in reality 👍

[@70sboy62]

It was 1976 a few of us would ride from Long Eaton on our sports mopeds park outside the Blackboy go to several other bars and even Tiffanys then ride home at 16 not bothered about drinking just getting out for the music and girls, imagine that now the mopeds would be either nicked or kicked over, glory days we had em

[@jaycooper2624]

I think you might have your memories a bit mixed, the Black Boy was long gone by 1976, I stood with my best mate Harry one Sunday afternoon in the late 1960s alongside the Council House watching the demolition commence and we were incredulous that such a beautiful building could be sacrificed to make way for what looked like a concrete shoe box (was it BHS?) when it looked to be in really good condition. The City Council would change colour at every election in the '60s and each party would have grandiose schemes for the city which would be scrapped by the incoming party at the next election. I seem to remember that one crackpot scheme involved a flyover the length of Maid Marion Way to make it easier to get to the Motorway which would have involved massive demolition! BTW, I DJ'd at Tiffanies about the time that this was filmed - it was claimed to be the biggest Discotheque in Europe! - also The Penny Farthing and the Palais and several other clubs. You're absolutely right, the nightlife was great back in the '60s/'70s and so were the girls! - I'm sure that they both still are, but for me all the charm has gone, and when I visit Nottingham these days (I live in Leicester now) to see my Daughter and Granddaughter I find it quite depressing - the City, not them LOL. I know we can't stop progress, but as many of the commenters here will attest, the City Planners of days gone by have a lot to answer for. Regards Jay.

[@70sboy62]

@@jaycooper2624 Hi Jay, You may be correct ,the one us guys visited was on Market St, I believe it was a Berni at the time they defiantly had the Black Boy signage outside so it may have been a cast off from the original building, I think the building is now Revolucion de Cuba

[@suvetar]

I was born in '76; its awesome to see the city from this time. My wife was born in '69 so this was a lot of good memories for her; thank you!

[@tarquin12]

I went to the University of Nottingham in 1975 as a student, and spent five years there. Great film here, showing Nottingham as I remember it from student days (although I still visit now, from time to time) ⭐

[@nicoladavison3777]

Everything we ever knew that was good has gone the clocks no more the fish tanks gone the pools outside the council house on slab square which had fountains on all the time all the department stores we ever visited most iconic the monkey on his swing which sat in the shoe shop window for over 50 years thank god he was saved and put in a museum a lot of people like to moan about Nottingham but iam very proud to say I come from here x

[@dogblessamerica]

It's normal to feel nostalgia for how things were when we were young. I used to come into Nottingham occasionally when I was growing up, thought it was okay but nothing too special. When I visited as an adult in 2008 I was really impressed by the new market square, gleaming with trams sailing round it, ringing their bells. Felt like a European city. I live there now, there has been decline with the fountains permanently switched off, and wear and tear not properly maintained. But it's still pretty great overall. Eating out in particular is really good.

[@stuartwilson23]

I miss the fountains in the Market Square :(

[@markrainford1219]

People say it's changed, but it's not really. Business names have changed but the buildings are still there. Mostly. At least the buses were still Sherwood green and not rainbow coloured.

[@WestPhillyG]

Fantastic video. I was born in Derby, and was trying to find some photos/videos of Nottingham as my Grand parents used to take me there as a treat now and then and I used to just be in awe of the place, loved the old water fountain in victoria centre. But really, Nottingham city centre's not changed that much to now. The victoria centres been extended and modernised but the outside looks similar to how it was. Yet the place still amazes me!

[@eyeballpaul1792]

Ew derby

[@Hay1325]

Aww l still remember as a little child, making a wish throwing money into the water, clock tower. Im 53 now, brings bsck memories.

[@beverleymiddleton6120]

The year I left Nottingham to join the WRAF. When I returned twenty years later, the city I knew was already disappearing and changing, sadly not for the better. I only returned to be with family otherwise I would not have stayed.

[@enikata7349]

Thank you for uploading. I wasn't born until 1980 so most of my memories come from more than a decade after this film was made but I remember so much how the city used to look. I miss the waterclock and the food court from Victoria. And the market square lost so much of its character after the fountains were removed.

[@gailknight3128]

The clock is still there, the other end of Victoria centre. It was going to be removed and not put back but the public managed to stop this.

[@enikata7349]

@@gailknight3128 Ah that's good. I left home back in 2001 and only been back to Nottingham, oh, less than a half dozen times since then but good to know something from the past still remains.

[@eugenebell3166]

Curious that the spelling used for centre is, 'center,' which is the American English for the word.

[@xr6lad]

It actually annoyed me given it’s posted by a British person on a British city. Ironic actually as it demonstrates slipping standards and attention to detail that destroyed places like this

[@greenrosenz]

Lovely posting. I remember well the Victoria station being demolished making way for the Vic centre, Trinity church too for the car park. Well remember the revolving water clock and water fall fearture down nylon ines. Also remember the fountains in this vid being created. Also worked at Nottingham Power Station, 2 chimneys briefly seen from the castle rock view. eft for NZ in 1987.- Thanks for posting.

[@cmdfarsight]

So sad they destroyed Victoria station and trinity church. I never saw them but my dad did use to drive trains into vic station.

[@ElephantManV2]

Brings back some memories!

[@jasondyer811]

Brilliant video . I was only 4 but great to look back how things were .😁👍👍👍

[@sandracroule9917]

I was born In Nottm in 1946. My home town and still feel a strong attachment. I Now live in Manchester but still feel strong ties to Nottm.

[@SuperForest78]

it feels very lovingly done-I was born in Nottm in 1971-grew up there thanks for this

[@zeorxofline]

the roads, traffic light, and road signs still as today. wonderful

[@Mark-cw2vg]

From train from Derby to go ice skating age 12 shopped there in mid eighties .like most places now not as great

[@mickamato]

Very sad and alienating images. By 1974 pretty much everything had been destroyed including Broadmarsh area.

[@ichabodon]

I wish I could go back to the 50's. Miss Goose Fair and the pubs

[@johnsmith-bx4rn]

goose fair still there and the pubs

[@eugenebell3166]

Nottingham with a proper market Square, unlike the flat boring creation now

[@paulb6716]

The area around Furse has changed so much in the Meadows. All the old railway land has been redeveloped and is now the Inland Revenue HQ

[@johnmac912]

I was a young lad of 10 when this was made!!!

[@Plump_Lil_Monk]

1974 and not a McDonald, Nando's, Pizza Hut or Berger King in sight. My Girlfriend only been in Nottingham for a few years and I tried to explain how much its changed in the last 10 years but looking at this it really hasn't changed at all.

[@RobinHoodDashCamArchive]

Born in 87 - But its amazing how much of the city was the same in the 90's... I remember the old square vividly!

[@Kylirr]

1:50 Such a contrast to what we have today. That part of the center is littered with wrappers and grime, and is surrounded by chavs and fucking smokers. I hope it gets fixed up someday.

[@MrDean1978]

Whilst I was only born in 78 this video takes me back to how town looked as a kid.

[@john-vh1hz]

Ahhh those were the days spot the black man how the tables have turned

[@lolajenkins2674]

everyone is welcome here

[@ashtonclarence2556]

its nice to see nottingham in the bygone age good vid

[@jamesbrook16]

When buses looked like buses. I spent 10 years driving NCT buses.

[@marcusross8751]

I think the buses back in those days had a great design. Modern and tasteful.

[@ianh.6825]

Born near Long Eaton in '65. I always enjoyed trips to Nottingham until I left for good in '82 via the Armed Forces recruiting office shown at 2:18

[@boisducafe1]

Wow it looked so much better back then, its horrible now

[@unknownbrewer]

Of course the video quality isn't going to be as it by todays stand, however it could of been in black and white for all I care. This is special and awesome to see!

[@spikephotography]

It's a great city - brilliant down to earth people and right in the middle of the country.

[@comicmania2008]

This is great footage! Well captured! Took me back to the good old Vicky Centre, and all those pubs.... Palais etc, I remember it being just like your great movie. As I watched I wondered where I was when you filmed this. I was 14 LOL.Must have been in school at Billy Blunt Bilborough. Thanks for this great upload mate.

[@disabledparentspoliticalun4830]

I was born 3 years after this movie was filmed. Didn't move to Nottingham till I was 17 though.

[@NRVERTAKEMEALIVE]

great stuf i was there in 74 still there now!

[@neilwatson8286]

Great video loved our city back then hate what its become a dump all the nice old buildings gone nothing but cafes and bars to much like abroad

[@stofferrussell]

Brilliant memories. I was only 2 when this was filmed but the city hasn't changed that much. Wasn't that Cliff Street where the cars were parked looking down from the castle?

[@junealexander3448]

Brilliant film and so interesting

[@Okboz36]

Great video captured one year before I was born!! Not changed all that much!

[@thoughtsonnarrowboatingwit3882]

Brilliant, but it would have been really good to have seen more of the canal, between Carrington and Wilford Street. The British Waterways Building is magnificent.

[@JoanneMcphail-kl8rz]

I wasemt even born then bur amazing how things change so quickly looked amazing back then makes tou think

[@LadyJML]

Amazing video! The King's Walk sign at 2:40 still looks the same today.

[@PrimusProductions]

Woah, Nottm' was bare different man. Still murkin' it to this day

[@petermann1150]

I'm slightly puzzled at the American spelling of centre.

[@torfrida6663]

Peter Mann I am offended by it!

[@00wrongun]

I was born in Derby 1973 but have always lived in the Nottinghamshire area

[@chakaone]

wow i love everything about this video... i don't care about the quality... but just the memories as ive lived in nottingham all my life. thankyou for filming this (if you did) also for uploading this... do you have anymore???... mat 34 from nottingham

[@xr6lad]

Let’s not fantasize about things - the Victoria Centre was an ugly poorly planned monstrosity that replaced a lovely central railway station with beautiful architecture.

[@MsKch1]

Great vid thats the Nottingham i grew up in. Catching the number 16 bus home from Trinity sq. good old days ..

[@dodgeboy9052]

I was born on Shipstone st new basford /hyson grees ,,, the scotthome pub yard was my playing ground.. it was a cool place then !!! I emigrated to Australia 1968 ,,, BUT allways return to Shipstone st ,,,

[@WarmasAsunnedcat]

Dodge Boy hey doge boy I was born on mosley street (1965) which was next to shipstone street. I was born opposite the lion pub which is still there and trading as a pub. sadly the scotholme pub is now an indian restaurant, still looks the same. my cousin was born on Gladstone terrace opposite shipstone street. all the houses have gone now on mosley street, and Gladstone terrace, a few houses remain on your old street, maybe yours is still standing. it was a wonderful place to live good old days, sadly all gone now. you were certainly lucky to get to oz, the old countries had it, to much immigration. good luck to you in oz

[@sollylab]

Been a pub for as long as I can remember.

[@mariakidulis503]

Why is Centre spelled Center?? We're not in America!!!

[@betaville72]

Its how its spelt in the East Midlands.

[@ironfist323]

Best city in the world.

[@davidappleton2208]

Yes you’re right. I was born and bred there. Still miss it after 50 years.

[@1919k]

Great brought back memories....thanks

[@mickmathieson8266]

The Palais at 3:48 had some great nights in there,while working in Nottingham in the 70s

[@Cromper]

This looks more like 16mm film. But who am I to say? Thanks for the memories. This is priceless content.

[@geoffreyking4515]

It was great then ,but not now

[@FunkyBear2]

Thanks for this, I really enjoyed watching-fond memories. What music is playing?

[@dunkdman]

great video. .👍

[@MrBoxingaddict]

Wonderful....the year I was born.........

[@mrmagicroundcircle]

@MrFullup Its derby road and upper parliment street junction .The buildings an office block with name city gate on the front .Used to deliver parcels here years ago

[@davidappleton2208]

When I lived in Nottingham the city centre was spelt with re not the Yanks way er