Discover hidden history of Malt Cross

People have been arriving in their droves to discover the hidden history of Nottingham’s Malt Cross.

More than 5,000 people have taken a tour of the former Victorian music hall since they began last October.

The tours were introduced when the Malt Cross re-opened following a £1.38million makeover, paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund. During the renovation, a network of sandstone caves were uncovered.

Tours of the Malt Cross, on St James’s Street, take place at 2pm, Tuesday to Friday, and at noon and 2pm on Saturdays. They cost £3.

To book, visit www.maltcross.com.

Those who have taken the tour have been given a glimpse into its music hall past and found out about the intriguing characters who performed there, before going underground to the caves.

According to the heritage team, the tours have attracted a diverse range of people including tourists, local residents, school children and social club members, as well as people with an interest in local history or architecture.

Dr Rebekah Wood, heritage engagement worker for education and outreach at the Malt Cross Trust, devised the tours – and says that the newly-opened caves are proving particularly popular among visiting groups.

“It’s a bit of a Narnia moment when they stand in front of the cupboard door that leads to the secret passageways,” she said.

“Down in the caves they really get a sense of the hidden history under the streets of Nottingham. The tours are supposed to last an hour but often go on longer because people have so many questions.”

Meanwhile, the Malt Cross is currently on the look out for more volunteers to lead the tours. No experience is necessary but a love of history is essential.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer tour guide should call 0115 941 1048 or email [email protected]

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