How Henry VIII changed the appearance of Nottingham Castle forever

One of our passions here at Nottingham World is discovering more about the city's fascinating history.

That becomes even more interesting to us when the piece of history in question has a link back to royalty.

Today, we're delving into Nottingham's links to one of the nation's 'favourite' Kings - Henry VIII.

While Henry VIII's direct personal involvement in Nottingham might not have been as extensive as in some other places, the historical events and connections during his reign left a lasting impact on the city and its landmarks. The infamous Tudor King of England, had several connections to Nottingham during his reign (1509-1547).

One notable link is associated with Nottingham Castle. In 1530, the king ordered extensive renovations to the castle, including the construction of a new brick gatehouse.

The king was known for his grand building projects, and he invested in fortifying and modernising various castles and royal residences.

At Nottingham, the renovations included the construction of a new brick gatehouse, which was a significant architectural addition to the castle.

Nottingham Castle also played a role in the political and military events of the time.

During the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536, a rebellion against Henry's dissolution of the monasteries and other religious changes, the king visited Nottingham Castle to oversee the handling of the uprising.

As the king sought to suppress the rebellion, he visited Nottingham Castle to oversee the military response and ensure the loyalty of key nobles in the region. The castle's location and fortifications made it a crucial centre for royal authority during times of political unrest.