| Who is the Greatest Nottinghamian?
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You may not agree with who we have selected to be the top
10 Greatest Nottinghamians, so this is your chance to say who deserves to
be up there. Fill in the form below to have your
say.
This page exists as an archive. If you would like to discuss this or other
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09-March-2003
alan sillitoe
prolific writer with many of his books about nottingham,a pity its
nearly impossible to buy his books there.
diogenes grieger, tallahassee fl |
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07-March-2003
George Africanus
George Africanus is certainly the earliest known Black entrepreneur
in Nottingham. His obituary of 1834 states he was from Sierra Leone.
His story of his life from slave to businessman is a fascinating one
and we are continuing to learn more about him and his descendants.
The City of Nottingham is erecting a plaque for him near his grave
and that of his son in St. Mary's churchyard soon. The Nottingham
City Museum's Service has a travelling exhibition on George Africanus
and his life in Nottingham which about to be refurbished. We are looking
for his great grandchildren at present and are most interested to
see the comments of Mandela Tunde Obifoe that "there are some blonde
haired blue eyed people who descend from this great African". We would
love to know more about them please. We have no knowledge about the
family later than the mid 20th century. If you wish to learn more
about the travelling exhibition or can tell us more about the descendants
of George Africanus please contact us on 0115 9153602. Suella Postles,
Brewhouse Yard Museum
Suella Postles, Brewhouse Yard, Nottingham |
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06-March-2003
Nottinghamian
Some great names mentioned.But I give my vote to the great humanitarian
William Booth
Mel. Drage., Squamish,British Columbia,Canada. |
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26-February-2003
torville and dean?
its obvious!
sharon, nottingham!!!!! |
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17-February-2003
Mandella Tunde Obifoe
Presumably of Nottinham decent. I have been left Notts for so many
years I can remember very little but Septimus was not a Nottingham
Man - was he? I feel Mandella lost his point. There are many worthy
men and women of Nottingham and of the county but many of their names
are lost to those who are famous. Those who fought and died in the
first and second world war must head the list, irrespective of creed
or colour. Some fought on the battlefields far away never to return
and some fought on the home front, many to die under the rubble. I
am sure Mandella is correct and, because we are a notion of anglo
saxons, mainly pale in colour, we tend to forget those of a darker
complexion who have given brains and brawn to this Capital city of
Nottinghamsire. Your site is extensive, educational and well prepared.
Let us hope that many people willvisit and learn and comment as well.
Mandella, keep writing, but when talking about Nottingham give the
name so people will ! know whose memories this sort of memorial should
cherish. This from an presently distant Newark, Nottinghamshire ex
resident living currently in the USA and missing England and the Trent
and Nottingham. Incidentally, I went to the same school as Albert
Ball V.C (though at a later time)atTrent College. Albert Ball, it
is rumoured, had his Photograph taken on the second day at Trent,
under the arch of the armoury door. The inscription on the arch says
"England expects that every man shall do his Duty"
J.E. Nicholas Gent., Lowell, Michigan, USA |
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05-February-2003
Great Nottingham people
I am surprised that no one has mentioned Richard Parkes Bonington
he was a fine arts painter and lived 1802-1828 died at the age of
26, he was born in Arnold but spent much of his early years in the
city of Nottingham. The Wallace Collection holds many of his pictures
and there are a few pictures in the Castle Museum. Another famous
person who lived in Nottinghamshire is William Lee of Calverton Village
who invented the stocking machine, which swept through Nottinghamshire
and Leicestershire, which was one of the inventions, which went hand
in hand with the Industrial revolution.
John Foster, Arnold Nottingham |
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30-January-2003
Jesse Boot
I can only see one comment about Jesse Boot and surely he deserves
more. Boots is now an international chain ,putting Boots, and Nottingham
on the map. Everytime anyone talks about Boots products, I tell them
to look where it is made!
Johnny, Canada |
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21-January-2003
great nottinghamians
As I come from Nottingham, I have just read through this and agree
with most people that Byron is hardly a Nottingham person. But then,
neither is Brian Clough or Kenneth Clarke. Although the former, along
with Peter Taylor, did bring great success to Nottm Forest, and whatever
anyone thinks, they did win the European cup twice. Kenneth Clarke
presided in a govrnment that brought in polltax etc etc. So why not
include Peter Taylor in the list? Glad to see Alvin Lee included;
a great guitarist and I would love to see him perform again. What
about Leslie Crowther, born in West Bridgford, I beleive, and was
not one of Laurel and Hardy born in Notts? Perhaps your list should
be called famous Nottinghamians, as this seems to be the actual criteria.
I agree with the correspondent about very few afro-carribeans/asian
etc candidates. I expect the reason is because history is written
by the male-dominated WASPS.
Gill Kerry, loughborough |
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13-January-2003
D.H LAWRENCE SURELY THE BEST???
AFTER WATCHING SONS AND LOVERS (ITV1) I THINK THAT THE MAN MADE A
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO ENGLISH LITERATURE. EVEN THOUGH HE WAS
A RAUNCHY BUGGER. NEVER MIND TO NOTTINGHAM ITSELF. THE MAN SHOULD
BE A LEGEND BUT IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED BY ROBIN HOOD WHO QUITE FRANKLY
PUT NOTTINGHAM ON THE MAP. WHEN ASKED BY A GERMAN GIRL WHERE I LIVED
SHE ASKED WHERE THAT WAS AND I HAD TO POINT OUT THAT IT WAS NEAR SHERWOOD
FOREST WHERE ROBIN HOOD CAME FROM. SHE SOON UNDERSTOOD!!! OVERALL
ROBIN HOOD IS THE GREATEST!!!!
LOUISE, NOTTINGHAM |
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06-December-2002
The Greatest Nottinghinghamian
Robin Hood .....we still talk, read and watch films, documentary`s,
on film and T.V. Whether he was a legend created over the centuries
from research and believed to be one person, or possibly several characters
of similar I.D, we`ll never know. However he is the icon and adopted
by Nottingham for as long as time remembers, he is the one Greatest
Nottinghamian....even after over 800 years.
Lincoln Green, Nottingham |
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29-November-2002
Stuart Pearce
First of all I'd like to say thankyou to Claire Amanda Ward for using
her caps lock key :/ I also think that the vote was more than likely
swayed by a large group of people, possibly an organisation, maybe
even international group. Anyway, Stuart Pearce should have been in
there somewhere, for a long period of his England career he was teh
symbol of patriotism and pride for many people, and he came from Nottingham.
Much better than Su Pollard!
Garry, Nottingham |
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26-November-2002
Byron
Byron was not born in Nottinghamshire. He spent his formative years
in Aberdeen with his Scottish mother. When he did come to the County
to claim his paternal ancestral home he did not spend much time here.
If I remember rightly he sold Newstead Abbey!
William, Hook |
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26-November-2002
General William Booth
The enormous contribution this man has had on the world for the betterment
of mankind qualifies him as the greatest Nottingham citizen, and I
would like to cast my vote in his favor and honor.
Marlene Chase, Alexandria, VA USA |
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25-November-2002
Thomas Cranmer
I'm sure Su Pollard has achieved a great deal in her career, and I
wouldn't want to detract from that, but I think a sense of perspective
is needed. I would suggest that Thomas Cranmer's impact on our life
and language makes him worthy of a high place in the top ten. To exclude
him for some of the names mentioned is amazing. By the way.. surely
Derek Randall deserves a place in the top ten!!
Chris Carnall, Edwinstowe |
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25-November-2002
Why no people of African descent
As with the so-called great Britons poll, there are no African-Caribbean
or Asian people. This deliberate and obvious exclusion of those people
implies sub-consciously or even consciously that African-Caribbean
people and Asian people have contributed nothing to British society.
This notion is of course absolutely hokum and untrue for in particular
African-Caribbean people have contributed to the very fabric of this
country be it music, invention, science, politics, technology etc
for over 2,500 years. Yes contrary to popular spin and mis-conception
and mis-education people of African descent did not come to this country
in the advent of the windrush experience in 1948 - the records indicate
that people of African origin have been in this country even before
the advent of the roman empire and have contributed immensely to the
growth and development of this country and city but as per usual so-called
European (white) historians have chosen to omit the contribution of
peopl! e of African descent. This is just a tiny example of the immense
contribution that people of African origin have contributed to the
development of this country. Believe it or not but the proof is there
this country had an African ruler between 193CE and 211 CE. His name
was Septimus Sevrimus - not an obviously African name I know but neither
is Linford Christie but it is obvious that when one looks at linford
he is of African stock - but septimus was a later part of the roman
empire which first invaded this country in 41CE. Septimus was born
in what is now called Libya in Northern Africa, which was under roman
occupation, and he soon at an early age had an aptitude for military
work. The Romans were aware of this and took him to Rome where he
became proficient in military affairs -to cut a long story short he
became ruler of these islands in 193CE. His legacy is the advanced
development of Hadrian's Wall, which protects England from Scotland.
He was commissioned to stre! ngthen Hadrian鈥檚 Wall, as it was
not strong enough and as such allowed the Scots to make incursions
into England on numerous occasions. However after septimus had re-designed
and re-inforced Hadrian鈥檚 wall the Scots were not able to make
regular incursions into England and thus there was no fighting between
the Scots and the English for about a century due to this African
man's efforts. He died in 211CE and is buried in York Minster. Another
contribution by people of African lineage are the inventions of the
light bulb (Louis latimer) traffic lights (Garrett Morgan) refrigeration
unit (Frederick Jones) the telegraph (Granville woods) the railway
signals (Granville woods) and many other inventions including the
phone better than bell's to numerous to mention. For more just download
black inventions on a web search. The real hero of the Second World
War was an African named Charles Drew. Before Drew there was no method
of separation blood from plasma and henc! e there were no blood banks
in this country. However, the British government became aware of Drew's
pioneering work in the USA. So impressive were the British with Drew's
work that they invited him to Britain to help in the war effort as
Britain were losing thousands of lives due to the lack of blood banks.
Drew became head of the British Medical Association and through his
work blood banks were made possible in this country which in the process
saved millions of British lives for more info download Charles drew
in a search engine. Another issue, which is not acknowledged, is the
immense contribution of African men and women who fought and died
for this country in world wars 1 & 2 whilst under British imperialistic
rule. And in Nottingham, believe it or not people of African descent
have been here for over 350 years. Nottingham used to be a posting
for slaves and one such slave became a "free-man" and was recorded
as one of the first African people to reside in Notting! ham. His
name was George Africanus. He became a prominent businessman and immense
influence on the city of Nottingham. There are some blonde haired
blue eyed people who descend from this great African. More details
of this great man are in the galleries of justice in the lace market
or in the central library on Angel Row. It鈥檚 a great travesty
of justice that the immense achievements of people of African lineage
are completely wiped our from the history books and the city of Nottingham
particular its education department should take steps to ensure that
these FACTS are made known to the PEOPLE OF NOTTINGHAM AND DISPEL
THE ERRONEOUS ASSERTION THAT PEOPLE OF AFRICAN LINEAGE HAVE CONTRIBUTED
NOTHING TO THE GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND SHAPING OF HISTORY IN THIS
CITY.
Mandela Tunde Obifoe, Nottingham |
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25-November-2002
Su Pollard
I think William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army deserves more
recognition than RObin Hood.听听 He did so much to champion the plight
of the poor and more remarkable is that the Organization still continues
to do so today - not only in Nottingham, Great Britain, but in 108
countries in the world..
Joan Woodman, Nottingham |
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25-November-2002
Su Pollard
I disagree totally with comment made on the 11th-November-2002 about
Su Pollard. She is a great actress and has worked hard to be where
she is now. I believe that anybody with a brain would notice that
if there was no Su Pollard goodness knows what 'Hi Di Hi' and 'Oh
Doctor Beeching' etc would have turned out like. I mean what the hell
has Clough done for us and Wiliam Booth. I can't believe people have
forgotten how much enjoyment they must have got out of watching these
Comedy shows with Su Pollard in and the other TV shows she has stared
in. I can assure you Su Pollard as she has made my TV worth while
to watch.
Elizabeth, Gedling Nottingham |
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25-November-2002
why no Albert Ball ?
He was the most decorated man in the 1st world war, a true Nottingham
hero
Ron Fletcher, |
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25-November-2002
why no Dennis McCarthy ?
He was more than just a radio presenter, he was part of Nottingham
and loved by everyone
June Fletcher, mansfield |
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25-November-2002
William Booth
Whether it was tending to the sick and wounded of both world wars,
providing a warm bed and a meal to the homeless, care homes for unwed
mothers and the elderly, visiting prisoners and the house bound, fresh-air
camps for city children, the Salvation Army could always be relied
upon. The uniform, flag and inspirational music are known and respected
world wide. We, the people of Nottinghamshire, can be proud that William
Booth was born here.
Marge Marion, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. |
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23-November-2002
William Booth
I'm 15 years old and have been in the Salvation army all my life.
With out the army there would be a big hole in my life. as part of
going to the army i don't just learn about God and William it has
also given me the chance to tell my friends at school what the Salvation
Army is all about.
Bethan, Bedfordshire |
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23-November-2002
Wiliam Booth
I have been really privileged to see the Salvation Army at work in
Southern Africa. It's particularly moving to see the loving care given
to HIV babies and children. You should be very proud that the founder
of this Christian organisation came from Nottingham!
Lesley Nicholson, Birmingham |
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23-November-2002
William Booth
William Booth did so much to help other people and started a huge
christian organisation which still exsists today!
Claire, |
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22-November-2002
great nottinghinghamians
The chap who invented cats eyes that are down the middle of the road
lived in nottingham but unsure of his name
A Top Valley resident, Nottingham |
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20-November-2002
Xylophone Man!
Xylophone Man! His work is vastly underated - can he be persuaded
to bring out a Greatest Hits CD - his Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
would be fantastic in Dolby Digital 5.1 Your vote counts - we can
make this happen!!!!!
Music Fan, |
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20-November-2002
William Booth
He commenced a great organisation, which is still at work internationally,
and is the second largest provider of social care to the Government.......He
had a vision and a calling, which is still evident today.......long
may his work continue!!
Geoff, Manchester |
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19-November-2002
D H Lawrence
Obviously he qualifies as 'great' (well, famous, anyway), and a 'Nottinghamian',
but didn't he actually loathe Nottingham? (Correct me if
I'm wrong). Despite my not really liking his writing, he might get
my vote on those grounds alone ;)
The Insider, Nottingham |
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19-November-2002
Brian Clough
Who cares if he has never lived in Nottingham, he has given more to
the City, more pleasure to its citizens & done more to put Nottingham
on the map than William Booth, William Fothergill & Su Pollard put
together. Assuming that the great one is not allowed to be voted for,
my vote goes to Jesse Boot as he is the only one who has actually
done anything for Nottingham itself.
Kevin, nottingham |
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18-November-2002
My vote goes just by a whisker to William Booth.
I have voted for William Booth just ahead of Jesse Boot.William and
Jesse both came from poor backgrounds and devoted their lives to making
people better in different ways. William Booth's followers however
are still spreading the word around today on the streets and when
I see that uniform tending to the poor and needy in places like New
York on September 11th 2001, I say to my self "Nottingham is where
the Salvation Army began" You can say a little bit of Nottingham is
there.
Doug Sutton, Aspley, Nottingham |
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18-November-2002
Great Nottinghamians
My Dad!!!! He was a fantastic teacher who made many students make
the most of their potential. He spurred pupils on to further their
studies and arranged for help and grants to aid them. He also provided
support to them in trouble, while always letting them know what the
rules were. Apart from that, he had two jobs, to help provide for
us, also working as a lecturer, was a fantastic father, and always
knew what to do for the best! He was also a union representative,
helping other members in what ever way was needed. I think my father
is a far more deserving person to be nominated than most of the people
on the list, who have used their fame for their own ends!
Catherine, Nottingham |
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18-November-2002
Richard Best
After being medically retired over 5 years ago, Richard has worked
tirelessly on a voluntary basis to help others. The other people on
the list are all great people but have received recompense for their
work. Richard has not. His achievements over this time have been,
Working with special needs participants at Focus, Community panel
leader with the Youth Offending Team, Mentor for East Midlands Mentoring,
Voluteer at Mencap, Founder self help group for those with a similar
condition as himself, chair of the Augment mentoring project. This
is an ordinary man carrying out extraordinary work within the community.
Linda , Nottingham |
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18-November-2002
Robin Hood
whilst there are many good candidates, Robin Hood has made Nottingham's
name known throughout the world ,you only have to say you are from
Nottingham and peolple immediately say " Ah yes Robin Hood!
Mr Frank Smith, Nottingham uk |
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15-November-2002
re: Xylophone Man
Technically it's a glockenspiel isn't it?
Mr. Pedant, Nottingham |
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15-November-2002
Tom Blower Swimmer
Hi my name is Brian Meharg I live in Bangor Ireland and am the current
pilot of the Irish Channel (North Channel) On Febuary 2005 Tom will
be dead 50 years and I think to mark this occasion the City of Nottingham
should put up somthing to mark the life of this great FORGOTTON man
He came from a place far from the sea and Conquered the Irish Channel
in July 1948. He ignored all the calls that it could not be done from
the many many local long distance swimmers and at that time there
were thousands around the coast of UK and Ireland Visiting my brother
in Aslockton last week I called into the town centre library and asked
about the history of Tom Blower, she came back and said it was strange
no one had ever asked about him before as at a glance he was a very
intersting man. Check out the Evening News or other papers around
that date he was a great man indeed. I am currently researching the
history of the Irish Channel and hope to write a book about it in
a short while The Irish Long Distance Swimming association WERE SHOCKED
THAT YOUR TOWN HAS FORGOTTEN HIM, and at their next meeting they and
myself will discuss asking your coulcil to take note of the situation.
I would be willing to talk about this if need be as the more I find
out about this man the more I admire him Remember the local people
said it could not be done and keep im mind he is well known in the
town of Bangor but forgotten in his home town. my web site is www.irelandtoscotland.com
Brian Meharg, Bangor Co. Down |
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14-November-2002
Byron
How can anyone seriously nominate Byron as the greatest Nottinghamian,
come on, they are having a laugh - he spent hardly any time here,
I've spent more time here waiting for a 70 bus!
P Howarth, Nottingham |
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13-November-2002
D.H Lawrence - Nottinghamians
D.H. Lawrence was so popular that he was buried all over the world.
First in France, then his body was exhumed and cremated, and his ahes
scattered in France. His ashes were also taken to Taos, in New Mexico,
and made into a concrete shrine. Then, according to the Lawrence family
gravestone, at Eastwood cemetery, he is also buried there. What a
man. Further details on my D.H. Lawrence website
Gavin Gillespie, Giltbrook |
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13-November-2002
Nottinghamians - Duncan Norville
Everyone seems to have overlooked Duncan Norville, for the life of
me I can't think why.
Gavin Gillespie, Giltbrook |
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13-November-2002
Xylophone man
Unfortunately, being the star and legend that he is, Xylophone man
will not allow pictures to be taken of him. Otherwise he'd be up there
with Su Pollard.
Have your say editor |
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13-November-2002
THE XYLOPHONE MAN!
he's there without a doubt!
anon, nottingham |
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12-November-2002
Who is the greatest Nottinghamian
Of the ones you want us to choose from, from the list you give, I
have voted for William Booth. I think he did more for other people,
rather than making it big for himself, monetarily or otherwise.
Judih, B.C. Canada |
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11-November-2002
D.H.LAWRENCE
BORN IN EASTWOOD, WENT TO SCHOOL IN NOTTINGHAM - WROTE INFAMOUS, LITERARY
NOVELS!
CLAIRE AMANDA WARD, NOTTINGHAM |
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12-November-2002
Why is William Lee not here?
Surely the Reverend William Lee achieved more with his invention of
the Stocking Frame than Sue Pollard. All she ever did was clean out
Ted Bovis's Chalet!!!!!!!!!!
JK Williams, Calverton |
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12-November-2002
FOTHERGILL WATSON
ARCHITECT WHO DESIGNED ALL THE NICE LOOKING BUILDINGS IN NOTTM INC.
THOSE ON KING STREET.
CLAIRE AMANDA WARD, NOTTINGHAM |
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12-November-2002
JESSE BOOT
STARTED THE FIRST BOOTS STORE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 1900'S - NOW
AN INTERNATIONAL CHAIN. BOOTS ALSO DO A LOT FOR THE PEOPLE OF NOTTINGHAM,
INCLUDING BUILDING NOTTM-TRENT UNIVERSITIE'S (BOOTS) LIBRARY, GIVING
TO NOTTINGHAM BASED CHARITIES AND PROVIDING 9000 JOBS IN THE CITY
O0F NOTTINGHAM
CLAIRE AMANDA WARD, NOTTINGHAM |
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12-November-2002
Lord Byron
What did Lord Byron ever do for Nottingham? Seems to me he just ponced
about all over Europe and got to live in a big house. I bet he didn't
even have to pay rent!
Betty, Nottingham, England |
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12-November-2002
PAUL SMITH
LOCAL, NATIONAL, EVEN INTERNATIONAL MENS CLOTHES DESIGNER.
CLAIRE AMANDA WARD, NOTTINGHAM |
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11-November-2002
Nottinghamians
Cloughie never lived in Notts. He was always Derbyshire so he doesn't
count. Anyway, if Su Pollard can make it where's Donald Pleasance.
At least he was a proper film actor and came from Worksop.
Eleanor, Retford |
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11-November-2002
Su Pollard
Why the hell is Su pollard a great nottinghamian?!? It's pure
madness.. where's Cloughie???
Dave, Nottingham |
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