Everyone has heard of Robin Hood, Nottinghamshire's most famous son and the worlds favourite folk hero. His adventures have been told and retold down the generations, from medieval ballad to Hollywood movie. Think of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and you will immediately think of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.. Sherwood Forest.. Maid Marion..the Sheriff of Nottingham. Nottingham Castle, King John and Richard the Lionheart, but Nottingham is also home to world-famous Raleigh bicycles, the Trip to Jerusalem Inn - one of Englands oldest inns. The pub is famous for its caves, carved out of the soft sandstone rock (beneath the castle) against which the building is set. Nottinghamshire is also famous for Holme Pierrepont Hall, Nottingham Lace Market and Nottingham Goose Fair held every October. Nottinghamshire covers just under 850 square miles and has a population of just over a million. The county once thrived on coal mining. The city of Nottingham, the administrative centre, is famous for its lace and of course, the legend of Robin Hood.