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University College Buildings.
This magnificent pile owes its existence to the public spirit of the municipal authorities, who may claim the unique distinction of being the only corporation in England to establish and manage its own University. The buildings are erected on a large area of ground, with extensive frontages to South Sherwood Street, Shakespeare Street, and Bilbie Street. The centre block is occupied by the College, and is flanked by the east wing, principally devoted to the Central Free Libraries and Reading Rooms; and the west wing forming the Free Public Natural History Museum, with the more recently opened Technical School adjoining in Bilbie Street.
The University.
The design is in the Gothic style of architecture, the buildings principally constructed of Ancaster stone, having an imposing elevation to each frontage, and were erected at a cost of nearly one hundred thousand pounds, including interior fittings. The work of the College is divided into five departments, viz.: (1) language and literature, (2) mathematics and physic, (3) engineering, (4) chemistry, (5) natural sciences. The College was opened in 1881 by H.R.H. the late Duke of Albany, and has since formed a training centre for thousands of students, many of whom have since won distinction in various fields, reflecting honour on their alma-mater.
Nottingham High School.
Tracing its origin back to nearly five centuries ago, the High School possesses an antiquity of foundation dating to the reign of King Henry the Eighth, by whom a Charter was granted in 1512 licensing Dame Agnes Mellers (widow of Richard Mellers, bell-founder, Mayor of Nottingham in 1499-1500 and in 1506-7) and Sir Thomas Lovell, then Treasurer of the King's Household and Governor of Nottingham Castle, to found a school in the Parish of Saint Mary, Nottingham. In 1550 the Commissioners of King Edward the Sixth, for founding Grammar Schools, granted to the school the premises in Stoney Street, in which it was continued for upwards of three hundred years. Here it remained till 1867, when the present premises in Arboretum Street were erected. In 1882 an entirely new scheme for the government of the school was laid before Parliament by the Charity Commissioners, under which it is now controlled. The curriculum of instruction embraces all the subjects taught in a first-grade public school, including preparation for the older Universities, the London University Examinations, and for the Cambridge Local Examinations.
The High School.