Interactive map charts impact of world wars on Nottingham

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A digital interactive map charting how both World Wars left their mark on Nottingham is giving people the chance to record their own memories of the conflicts.

Architecture students from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) created the map after realising few visitors to the city know how the area had to recover from the conflict.

David Symons and Emma Hewitt say they were talking to some students from and Brazil when they realised they didn’t know the city was bombed during the war.

During the conflict Trent Cricket Ground was hit, leaving a crater in the turf.

And the Arkwright Building on NTU’s campus was partially destroyed and later heavily restored.

David, 21, said: “These are unique slices of the city’s history and it’s important that people are aware of them. So we wanted to create something which reflected that, which could be added to, enhanced and accessed from anywhere in the world.”

Image: Click on the map to explore how war left an imprint on Nottingham

The map looks at areas across the city including the Lace Market and the Flying Horse Inn – a regular drinking spot for Polish soldiers.

The birthplace of Albert Ball, who was one of the most successful pilots of the First World War, is also featured.

Emma, 20, said: “Many can appreciate that a monument is in tribute to people who may have died, for instance.

“But we would also like to remember the sites, places and other stories which may be largely untold today. It’s important they’re relevant to young people who may have no connection with either war.”

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The map, which is on a specially designed website, allows members of the public to add their own wartime pictures and information.

The project is part of the In Place of Architecture exhibition at the Bonington Gallery this month.