Description: The Forest Recreation Ground was originally a racecourse with grandstand. This was built in 1777 'a handsome brick building of two stories high', and was demolished in 1912. The races were an opportunity for amusement and holiday for the townsfolk and gentry, and all kinds of entertainments proliferated on the Forest. Cricket was also played at the site. In 1817 a 'grand' cricket match was held between Nottingham and an All England team, which Nottingham won, much to the home supporters' delight. Sometimes crowds would gather on the Forest to demonstrate their political feelings. For two days, on the 12th and 13th August 1839 Chartist sympathisers assembled to proclaim their cause (the extension of voting rights) and repeatedly skirmished with the dragoons. The Forest's name survives from mediaeval times when the land now occupied by the recreation ground was part of Sherwood Forest, a royal hunting forest. The forest land had not, until then, been though worth the effort and expense of enclosing, but a nearby parish had recently enclosed some and the value had greatly increased. The land had retained a rural feel; on the high ground around Forest Road once stood thirteen windmills. Following the Nottingham Enclosure Act of 1845 eighty acres of the Forest were permanently preserved for 'public recreation'. The land was enclosed by a low stone wall, topped by decorative railings, though these were removed during the Second World War. Handsome entrance gates and lodges were built, attractive paths were laid down and trees were planted on the southern slopes. Outdoor recreations flourished, including cricket, football and bowls. It was on the Forest the Nottingham Forest are said to have trained and played their early matches before moving to Trent Bridge. Brass bands played regularly on the Forest and public gatherings ranged from political meetings, military parades and royal celebrations. In 1897 hundreds gathered to watch a review of the Robin Hood rifles, as part of Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. By 1889 protests were received against racing and in 1890 the Race Committee was disbanded and the Borough Council took over. The races were moved to a new course at Colwick and by 1894 the Forest was being re-designed to make it more suitable for other types of recreation. Today the Forest is a sports and recreation ground, home since 1928 to the annual Goose Fair, and now also used as a 'Park and Ride' car park, transporting users by tram to the city centre.