Rare finds from Nottingham's caves go on display for first time

There are hundreds of caves under Nottingham

Rare items found in a city's caves are being displayed for the first time at an exhibition.

The treasure trove of items, which include Venetian drinking glasses and clay pipes, were discovered inside Nottingham's caves.

They are now on display at the University of Nottingham Museum until 7 July.

At least 800 caves have been identified under the city, with some dating back to the middle ages.

Initially used for tanning and brewing, some became drinking dens and then air raid shelters in World War Two.

Now collections from University Museum, Nottingham City Museums and Galleries, and the National Justice Museum, have been brought together for the first time.

Items being displayed include jugs and plates

The exhibition is focused on the themes of "work" and "play" in Nottingham's caves.

Caves were also used as workshops for a wide range of crafts such as tanning leather or malting grain for beer, organisers said.

Some of the most elaborate were dug by the town's wealthy elite for leisure and entertainment, as garden follies or drinking dens.

A number of pubs in the city still use them as beer cellars.

A 17th Century Venetian glass goblet also features in the exhibition

The objects in the exhibition include evidence for tanning leather and manufacturing objects from bone, as well as brewing beer and a rare survival of a medieval ceramic "alembic", or distilling apparatus.

A collection of glass bottles and decorative Venetian drinking glasses from the 17th Century will also be displayed for the first time.

Dr Chris King, associate professor in archaeology at the University of Nottingham, said: "There is a long history of people excavating inside Nottingham's caves, including both professional archaeologists and voluntary community groups - so it is wonderful to see this variety of fascinating objects brought together for the first time.

"They range from humble clay pipes and storage jars to exotic imports like the Venetian goblets.

"Together these objects tell the story of the city and connect us to the multitude of people who once lived and laboured in and around the city's underground spaces."

Caves were often made as storerooms but blocked off when no longer needed