Who Are We?

We are regularly asked to explain the origin of the title 'Mechanics'. Briefly, at the time of the mechanisation of industrial production in the 1820's, Dr. George Birkbeck, seeing the need to educate Artisans and 'Mechanics', set up 'Mechanics Institutes' to achieve this aim.

Mechanics Institutes were opened in many cities and became centres of technical and cultural education. They also became meeting places and centres of social activity, where people from all sections of society could meet.

The Nottingham Mechanics was established in 1837 and for fifty years was the city's pre-eminent education centre. The Mechanics shared in the founding of Nottingham University. Today we are one of the few Mechanics Institutes remaining in the world.

In 2003 The Nottingham Mechanics took the opportunity to aquire a new site on North Sherwood Street for the construction of a purpose built facility appropriate to our needs and aspirations. With the creation of our new building and facilities we aim to embrace the advantages of new technology to remain and educationally and culturally oriented institution whilst providing a meeting place for all who wish to enjoy the comfort of our facilities in a relaxed atmosphere.

What Do We Offer?

Comfortable Lounges

Places to relax, meet and make friends or read one of the daily newspapers and magazines provided.

A Well Stocked Library

Containing fiction and reference sections which are continually updated in accordance with members wishes. The library also contains a sitting area to browse your choice of reading material. Internet access is also available for study purposes.

A Pleasant Restaurant and Bar

Open Monday to Saturday and serving a good variety of hat and cold food at moderate prices in comfortable surroundings. The bar serves a wide range of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks.

A Suite of Rooms

Used by members and outside groups for a wide range of activities.

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	Who Are We? We are regularly asked to explain the origin of the title 'Mechanics'. Briefly, at the time of the mechanisation of industrial production in the 1820's, Dr. George Birkbeck, seeing the need to educate Artisans and 'Mechanics', set up 'Mechanics Institutes' to achieve this aim. Mechanics Institutes were opened in many cities and became centres of technical and cultural education. They also became meeting places and centres of social activity, where people from all sections of society could meet. The Nottingham Mechanics was established in 1837 and for fifty years was the city's pre-eminent education centre. The Mechanics shared in the founding of Nottingham University. Today we are one of the few Mechanics Institutes remaining in the world. In 2003 The Nottingham Mechanics took the opportunity to aquire a new site on North Sherwood Street for the construction of a purpose built facility appropriate to our needs and aspirations. With the creation of our new building and facilities we aim to embrace the advantages of new technology to remain and educationally and culturally oriented institution whilst providing a meeting place for all who wish to enjoy the comfort of our facilities in a relaxed atmosphere. What Do We Offer? Comfortable Lounges Places to relax, meet and make friends or read one of the daily newspapers and magazines provided. A Well Stocked Library Containing fiction and reference sections which are continually updated in accordance with members wishes. The library also contains a sitting area to browse your choice of reading material. Internet access is also available for study purposes. A Pleasant Restaurant and Bar Open Monday to Saturday and serving a good variety of hat and cold food at moderate prices in comfortable surroundings. The bar serves a wide range of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. A Suite of Rooms Used by members and outside groups for a wide range of activities.