We've left the Iberian Peninsula and are now in the Borough of Leicestershire, England. Our first adventure in this area is to Nottingham.
Nottingham is known for its role in the Robin Hood legend. So we would be amiss if we didn't stop for a quick pic of the statue of Nottingham's world-famous folk hero!
 |
| Robin Hood Statue |
Nottingham is full of many gems. We opted to visit the National Justice Museum. This historical building depicts the history of crime, punishment and social justice through stories of real gaolers, prisoners and judges. When we bought our tickets were were issued arm bands with our convict number!
 |
| Convict numbers! |
As we went through the museum exhibits we searched for our real-life convict number. Here is a description of my convict's crime and punishment.
 |
| Ducking Stool |
In addition to a Georgian gaol and cells, the Museum houses a Victorian courtroom.
 |
| Courtroom |
We had the opportunity to take part in a historical trial re-enactment!
 |
| Prosecutor |
 |
| Judge |
After all this excitement we headed to a historical pub named Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem. The name is said to be a reference to the custom of medieval pilgrims and crusaders gathering at the inn before leaving for the Holy Land.
 |
| Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem Pub |
Ruddington:
Although Ruddington is close to Nottingham, fortunately we decided to make this stop on a different day.
The Framework Knitters Museum in Ruddington is truly a hidden gem! Plan to spend some time here because there is so much to see!
When we arrived a volunteer gave us a tour of cottages and out buildings that provided a view into the lives of knitters and their families who lived and worked here in Victorian times.
 |
| Worker's Cottage |
The volunteer took us next to a building where there are several framework knitting machines. Another volunteer told us the history of framework knitting and gave us a demonstration of how the machines work. We learned about the Luddite riots of the 1800's as well as how the machines developed over time. These machines are very close together and the noise of all them working was deafening.
 |
| Framework Knitting Machines |
After a break at the museum cafe we headed to another building where a volunteer showed us how circular knitting machines were used, especially for making socks.
 |
| Circular Knitting Machines |
We saw a varied collection of hosiery, including a genuine pair of Queen Victoria’s stockings! I want to say kudos to the wonderful volunteers at this museum who are very knowledgeable and helpful.👏👏
Loughborough:
Since we are staying in the town of Loughborough we decided to visit the Charnwood Museum to learn more about the local history.
 |
| Charnwood Museum |
We "shopped" at Gilbert's, a Victorian grocery shop. This shop was first mentioned in 1846 trade directories. After being owned by a number of families, James Gilbert's family ran it from 1894-1964 when it was permanently closed.
 |
| J. Gilbert grocery |
This HUGE chair was carved out of a single oak tree! It was made in 1690 from the trunk of an oak tree that grew in the park around the local Beaumanor Hall.
 |
| The Beaumanor Chair |
As a retired librarian I especially enjoyed discovering the Ladybird books. In 1914 the first Ladybird book was published and printed by Wills & Hepworth in Loughborough.
 |
| Ladybird books |
The Charnwood Museum is located within Queen's Park. This park opened in June 1899 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
 |
| Queen's Park |
 |
| Carillon Tower War Memorial and Museum |
We're visiting family in Loughborough and seeing some of the local sights. It's not over yet!