Old Market Square, Nottingham, England
The Old Market Square (Slab Square) is an open city square in Nottingham, England. It is is the largest public space in the United Kingdom after London’s Trafalgar Square, covering an area of approximately 22,000 square metres. The square is a major hub for the city’s social scene and transport links. It is often used for large local events, fairs, concerts and exhibitions.
Located in the heart of Nottingham City Centre, the square is bounded by Beastmarket Hill to the West, Smithy Row to the North, and South Parade to the South. The Eastern end of the square is dominated by the Council House, which serves as Nottingham's town hall.
The square was the original setting of Nottingham Goose Fair, an annual fair held in October originating over 700 years ago. The Goose Fair was moved in 1928 for redevelopment of the square. Previously, the Square has been affectionately nicknamed 'Slab Square',owing to the high numbers of concrete paving slabs that made the former Square.
The Council House is a vital, living part of the city and the centre of local politics as elected councillors who represent the people of the City of Nottingham conduct much of their business here. It was designed by Thomas Cecil Howitt and built between 1927 and 1929 in the Neo-Baroque style characterised by the huge pillars that circle the building along with the carvings on the facade. It replaced the former Nottingham Exchange.
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