Beeston Walk: Town Centre【4K】

Located in the county of Nottinghamshire, and around 3-and-a-half miles southwest of Nottingham city centre, is the town of Beeston.

In the Domesday Book of 1086, Beeston was recorded as 'Bestune'. The name derives from Old English 'bēos' (bent grass) and 'tūn' (town or settlement). Local legend has it that the name is derived from 'bees' (as in honey), though this appears unlikely. Nevertheless, the bee was adopted as the emblem for the town council, with the implication that it is a hive of industry.

Up until the early 19th century Beeston was a small agricultural village. This would begin to change during the Industrial Revolution. In 1790 work began on the Nottingham Canal, sometimes referred to as the Nottingham & Beeston Canal. This was completed in 1802, giving Beeston a link to Nottingham and parts of Derbyshire. Industry in Beeston included silk and lace.

In 1849 a former farm worker called John Boot was forced by ill health to change careers. He set up a shop selling herbal remedies in the Hockley area of Nottingham. Thus the high street pharmaceutical brand Boots was born. Today Boots is headquartered in Beeston, along with its subsidiary, Boots Opticians.

Around six minutes into the walk we see a mural dedicated to three local creative icons. The first, in order of appearance from right to left, is Edwin Starr. Starr was an American singer/songwriter, whose biggest hit was the Vietnam protest song, "War". In his later years he made Chilwell and Beeston his home (Chilwell is the neighbouring village). The second is of Richard Beckinsale. Having grown up in Chilwell, Beckinsale went on to star in the 1970s sitcom, Porridge, alongside Ronnie Barker. Tragically, Beckinsale died aged just 31 due to heart complications. His daughter Kate would go on to achieve a successful acting career in Hollywood. The third is of Paul Smith. Born in Beeston, Smith launched his eponymous fashion brand in 1970 which expanded into a worldwide empire.

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Filmed: 29th July 2021

Link to the walk on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/uvXwTVmDYhfFBA6CA

Filmed on a Sony FDR-AX700 with a Zhiyun Crane 2 and a Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 High Road
5:55 Station Road
6:12 Edwin Starr
6:21 Richard Beckinsale (right)
6:28 Paul Smith (left)
6:34 Station Road
7:53 The Square
10:28 Wollaton Road