Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham

Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham runs on Sunday 1 November, a guided tour through the city centre buildings of one of Nottingham's most prominent Victorian architects. Fothergill's signature style and the influence of the Gothic left a lasting imprint on the city, and the walk follows his work across the centre. It's led by guide Lucy Brouwer, who takes the group from building to building, filling in the gaps between the facades with the quirks of Fothergill's life and career.

There's a fair bit of ground to cover, and the tour doesn't just stick to the architecture. Brouwer works her way through the oddities of Fothergill's story: why the Victorians thought a mortgage was like a monkey, how one architect can end up with two names on a single building, and what links Fothergill with Mick Jagger and Thomas Hardy. The route also draws on the work of his chief assistant, L.G. Summers, so it's not just a one-man show. Past attendees have talked about Brouwer's charisma and humour, the varied and easily accessed locations, and the well-researched, lively delivery.

The walk starts at 10 AM outside Visit Nottingham Tourism Centre, 1-4 Smithy Row, NG1 2BY, right next to the Council House, and finishes at Fothergill's pub. It runs until 12 PM, so it's about two hours in total. Tickets are £20 plus a booking fee, and you'll need to book in advance as places are limited.