Author: Benwell Daykin

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Rachel Reeves and Selective Licensing: What Landlords Can Learn from Her Mistake

How Not to Get Caught Out with a Selective Licence – Unlike Rachel Reeves

It’s been all over the news — Chancellor Rachel Reeves has found herself in hot water after one of her rental properties reportedly didn’t have the required selective licence. It’s a reminder to landlords everywhere: even if you have an agent managing your property, you’re still legally responsible for compliance.

What Is a Selective Licence?

A selective licence is a legal requirement in certain areas where local councils want to improve housing standards and ensure responsible property management. It applies to most private rented properties within designated zones — and landlords must apply for a licence before letting their property.

What Happened with Rachel Reeves?

Rachel Reeves’ property reportedly fell within a selective licensing area. Her estate agent knew this, informed her, and even said they would apply for the licence on her behalf — but it seems the application was never actually completed.

While the agent’s failure is concerning, the legal responsibility still lies with the landlord. Even if your agent promises to handle it, you remain accountable for ensuring the licence is in place.

What Her Estate Agent Should Have Done

A competent and compliant estate agent should always:

  • Check whether the property is in a selective licensing area
  • Inform the landlord immediately if a licence is required
  • Submit the application promptly and track its progress
  • Confirm in writing once the licence has been successfully approved
  • Keep full records of all communication and documentation

Good communication and follow-through are essential — not just promises.

What We Do at Benwell Daykin

Here in Nottingham, a large part of the city falls under the Nottingham City Council Selective Licensing Scheme. If your property is within the city council boundary or Gedling Borough Council, it’s very likely you’ll need a licence. Properties outside this boundary (for example, in parts of Broxtowe or Rushcliffe) are not affected — but it’s always best to check.

At Benwell Daykin, we take selective licensing seriously. From the moment we begin managing a property, we check whether a licence is required — especially for landlords with homes inside the Nottingham City Council boundary.

If a licence is needed, we handle the entire process efficiently and keep our landlords informed every step of the way. We never assume “someone else will sort it”. Every application is tracked until it’s complete, and we confirm once approval has been granted.

With us, you can be confident that your property is fully compliant — and your reputation is protected.

What Could Happen to Rachel Reeves?

Failing to hold a selective licence is a serious matter. The local council can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000, or even prosecute the landlord. Tenants can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order, potentially forcing the landlord to repay up to 12 months of rent received during the unlicensed period.

It’s a costly and easily avoidable mistake — especially when your agent stays on top of compliance from the start.

Stay Compliant with Benwell Daykin

If you’re not sure whether your property needs a selective licence in Nottingham, get in touch with Benwell Daykin today.

We handle everything from initial checks to completed applications, so you never get caught out by the rules or end up facing unwanted headlines.

You can also read our full guide on Nottingham Selective Licensing.

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Interest Rate Drop – What Does This Mean For Mortgages?

Mortgage Rates Drop – Is Now the Time to Secure Your Best Deal?

After years of turbulence in the housing and mortgage market, we may finally be seeing the first real signs of stability returning. Recent news that two-year fixed mortgage rates have fallen below five-year rates for the first time since 2022 has caused a bit of a stir—not just among property industry professionals, but also among homeowners, first-time buyers and landlords. At Benwell Daykin Estate Agents, we don’t just sell and let properties—we also offer clear, tailored mortgage advice to help you make sense of the numbers and secure the best possible deal. With the latest rate changes, many people are asking the same question: Should I act now?

What’s Changed in the Mortgage Market?

The Bank of England has made the decision to cut the base rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4%. This move was widely anticipated as inflationary pressures eased, but its impact on mortgage pricing has been swift. For the first time in nearly three years, two-year fixed rates have dipped below five-year deals. Historically, this has been the norm, but the upheaval following the 2022 mini-budget turned the market on its head, with lenders pricing shorter-term fixes higher due to uncertainty. Now, average two-year fixed rates sit around 5%, slightly lower than the 5.1% average for five-year terms. And for borrowers with a strong credit profile and good loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, some lenders are offering two-year rates as low as 3.8%. This shift suggests lenders are feeling more confident about the market’s direction—something we haven’t seen for a while.

Why This Matters for Homeowners and Buyers

For anyone on a variable or tracker mortgage, the benefits are immediate—monthly payments will likely fall in line with the base rate cut. But for those on fixed deals or looking to buy, the picture is a bit different. Here’s why the changes could be significant for you:

1. Opportunity for Lower Payments in the Short Term – A competitive two-year fix could mean lower monthly payments compared to sticking with your current deal or opting for a longer term at today’s rates.

2. Flexibility – If rates continue to drop in the coming years, being on a shorter fix allows you to refinance sooner and potentially secure an even better rate later.

3. Confidence Boost for Buyers – Lower rates can improve affordability calculations, meaning you might be able to borrow slightly more or widen your choice of properties.

A Word of Caution

While this is positive news, it’s important not to get caught up in “lowest rate fever” without looking at the bigger picture. Mortgage rates are only one part of the equation. You also need to consider arrangement fees, early repayment charges, flexibility to make overpayments, and whether your circumstances might change during the term. This is where speaking to a qualified mortgage adviser—someone who can look at your full financial situation—becomes invaluable. You can speak to someone today by calling 0115 990 2007.

The Benwell Daykin Approach to Mortgage Advice

At Benwell Daykin, we believe that mortgage advice should be personal, jargon-free and focused entirely on your best interests. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, remortgaging, or expanding your buy-to-let portfolio, we start by understanding you. Our free initial mortgage advice session is designed to: review your current deal and see if you could save money; explore the full range of mortgage products from across the market—not just one or two lenders; run affordability and repayment calculations tailored to your budget; highlight any hidden costs or restrictions in potential deals; and help you decide whether now’s the right time to fix, or if waiting could be wiser. We know that your mortgage is likely the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make. That’s why our advisers take the time to guide you step-by-step, without pressuring you into a decision.

Why the Market Shift Feels Different This Time

Mortgage rates have had their ups and downs in recent years, but the fall we’re seeing now is being met with cautious optimism from industry experts. This is because it’s not just about cheaper borrowing—it’s about the return of market balance. For most of the past three years, the so-called “inverted curve” (where short-term rates were more expensive than longer ones) signalled lender uncertainty. Now, with two-year rates back below five-year deals, it reflects a belief that inflation will remain under control and the Bank of England won’t have to keep rates elevated for as long as feared. For homeowners, this could be the start of a more predictable, less volatile lending environment. And that’s good news whether you’re remortgaging this year or just starting to think about buying.

What This Means for First-Time Buyers

If you’re stepping onto the property ladder for the first time, these rate cuts could improve your affordability calculations, allowing you to borrow more or access a better deal. However, it’s important to remember that property prices, deposit requirements, and credit history still play a big role in what you can secure. That’s where our advisers can help you plan your move strategically—sometimes even months in advance—so when the right property comes up, you’re ready to act.

What This Means for Those Remortgaging

If your current deal ends within the next 6–12 months, now is the time to start exploring your options. Many lenders will allow you to lock in a new rate up to six months before your existing deal ends, which could protect you against future rate rises. Even if you’ve still got longer left on your fix, it’s worth checking whether an early switch could still save you money in the long run—especially if the rate difference is significant.

The Risk of Waiting Too Long

While rates have dropped, there’s no guarantee they will keep falling. Economic conditions, inflation data, and central bank policy can change quickly. If you’re in a position to secure a good rate now, it might be safer than holding out for something marginally better that may never materialise. Our role at Benwell Daykin is to help you weigh the potential benefits of acting now against the possible gains of waiting—backed by real market data and lender insights.

Why Choose Benwell Daykin for Mortgage Advice?

We work for you, not the banks – our recommendations are based solely on what’s right for your situation. Whole-of-market access – we can search deals from dozens of lenders, including smaller building societies and specialist providers. Clear, no-nonsense guidance – we explain the pros and cons in plain English. Free initial consultation – no cost, no obligation, just expert insight to help you make an informed choice. Local knowledge – based in Nottingham, we understand the property market in your area.

Next Steps – Take Control of Your Mortgage

If you’re a homeowner, first-time buyer, or landlord, this shift in rates could be your opportunity to get ahead of the curve. But the key is acting on accurate, personalised advice—not guesswork. Your mortgage shouldn’t keep you awake at night. Let us take the stress out of the process and help you find the deal that fits your life, not just your numbers.

Book your free initial mortgage advice session today with Benwell Daykin Estate Agents.

Call us on 0115 990 2007 or contact us here.

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Easter Colouring Competition 2025

Benwell Daykin’s annual colouring competition is back for 2025!

Every year, Benwell Daykin Estate Agents runs a competition in line with Easter.

The competition has several different age categories, with a simple Easter design for children and a more complex design for adults.

Whether you have children who would like to take part, or if you simply want to put your adult colouring skills to the test, download our 2025 Easter designs here.

Please return entries to the office on High Street in Ruddington by 18th April 2024.

And if you’d like to find out how much your property is worth with a free valuation, we can speak to you about this at the same time!

Good luck to everyone taking part and Happy Easter!

Colouring competition downloads:

Benwell Daykin Childrens Easter Competition 2025
Benwell Daykin Adults Easter Competition 2025

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Mortgage Relief at Last? Bank of England Slashes Interest Rates

Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates Amid Economic Stagnation

The Bank of England has announced its first interest rate cut of the year, reducing the base rate from 4.75% to 4.5%. The decision was made at the latest meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), with all nine members voting in favour of a reduction. While seven members supported a 25-basis-point cut, two advocated for a more aggressive approach, favouring a 50-basis-point reduction.

This move was widely anticipated by financial markets and economists and is not unexpected.

Inflation Slows, Prompting Rate Cut

One of the key factors behind the decision was the latest inflation data, which showed a lower-than-expected increase in consumer prices. The annual inflation rate declined from 2.6% to 2.5%, defying expectations that it would remain steady or rise slightly to 2.7%. This unexpected slowdown provided the Bank of England with additional justification to lower borrowing costs, aiming to support economic growth without risking a surge in inflationary pressures.

Inflation has been a significant concern for policymakers in recent years, with persistent cost-of-living pressures impacting households and businesses alike. However, with inflation now edging closer to the Bank of England’s 2% target, the case for maintaining higher interest rates has weakened.

Economic Stagnation Increases Pressure

In addition to the inflation slowdown, recent economic data has painted a concerning picture of stagnation. UK gross domestic product (GDP) figures have shown minimal growth, putting further pressure on policymakers to stimulate the economy.

After contracting by 0.1% in both September and October, the economy recorded a marginal 0.1% expansion in November. While this slight growth prevented the UK from slipping into a technical recession, it did little to alleviate concerns over economic stagnation. The Bank of England’s rate cut is expected to provide some relief by reducing borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, potentially encouraging investment and spending.

Implications for the Property Market

The interest rate cut will have mixed implications for different groups within the economy. For mortgage holders, especially those on variable-rate or tracker mortgages, the reduction in the base rate could translate into lower monthly payments, easing financial pressures. Prospective homebuyers may also find mortgage rates becoming slightly more affordable, potentially boosting activity in the housing market.

Looking Ahead Within The Property Space

The Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates marks a shift in monetary policy after a prolonged period of tightening aimed at controlling inflation. However, the big question now is whether this is just the beginning of a new cycle of rate cuts – and how it will shape the UK property market in the coming months.

If inflation continues to ease and economic conditions remain weak, the Bank may opt for further reductions later this year. This could provide more stability for homeowners and encourage prospective buyers to return to the market with renewed confidence. Mortgage lenders are likely to adjust their rates gradually, meaning homebuyers could see slightly better deals over time. However, the extent of these benefits will depend on how aggressively the Bank of England continues to cut rates.

One potential consequence of lower borrowing costs is increased demand for property. As mortgage rates become more attractive, more buyers may enter the market, driving up competition—especially in areas with a limited supply of housing. If demand rises significantly, house prices could begin to climb again after a period of relative stagnation. This would be good news for homeowners looking to sell but could create fresh affordability challenges for first-time buyers.

For those with existing mortgages, particularly those due to remortgage, lower interest rates offer a glimmer of hope after a challenging period of rising costs. However, fixed-rate mortgage deals are still being priced cautiously by lenders, meaning homeowners may not immediately see significant reductions in repayments. Borrowers should keep a close eye on the market to secure the best possible deals in the months ahead.

Investors in the buy-to-let sector will also be watching closely. With borrowing costs falling, landlords may feel more confident about expanding their portfolios, especially in high-demand rental areas. However, ongoing regulatory changes, tax implications, and concerns about rent controls could still pose challenges. The property market’s recovery will depend not just on interest rates but also on broader economic conditions, wage growth, and government policy.

Ultimately, while the Bank of England’s rate cut is a positive sign for homeowners and buyers, the full impact on the housing market will take time to unfold. Much will depend on whether this marks the start of a sustained downward trend in interest rates or a one-off adjustment. Either way, the property market looks set for an interesting year ahead.

Need advice?

Whether you’re looking to sell, buy or get a mortgage, Benwell Daykin can help. We’re one of the leading estate agencies in Nottingham.

Call us on 0115 990 2007.

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Easter Colouring Competition 2024

Click here for the 2025 Easter Colouring Competition.

Benwell Daykin’s annual colouring competition is back!

Every year, Benwell Daykin Estate Agents runs a competition in line with Easter.

The competition has several different age categories, with a simple Easter design for children and a more complex design for adults.

Whether you have children who would like to take part, or if you simply want to put your adult colouring skills to the test, download our 2024 Easter designs here.

Please return entries to the office on High Street in Ruddington by 29th March 2024.

And if you’d like to find out how much your property is worth with a free valuation, we can speak to you about this at the same time!

Good luck to everyone taking part and Happy Easter!

Children’s Competition Download

Adult Competition Download

 

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Why Hasn’t The UK Housing Market Crashed?

After COVID-19 and following the sharp inflation rate rise, many were expecting house prices to crash.

The reality is that house prices did indeed dip, but not by a huge amount.  According to Nationwide, prices have dropped just 2% in 2023.

What’s more, other reports have suggested that although there is an overall drop for the year, prices are actually on the up since the Autumn.

So why haven’t prices dropped significantly? The team at Benwell Daykin list some of their thoughts.

Interest rates have remained stable

When the Bank of England began to raise interest rates, many took a step back from looking to move due to affordability. If interest rates rise then mortgage costs do too. This meant that many home owners had to reduce their prices to continue to entice buyers.

Now however, interest rates have remained at a steady 5.25 per cent since August 2023.

House prices have already dipped to reflect this change and have remained stable along with the rate of interest.

Unemployment remains steady

When the population struggles to find work then this, of course, has a knock on effect on the economy.

Unemployment has risen in 2023, however it is much lower than both 2014 and 2021 according to Trading Economics.

unemployment uk economy figures

Mortgage rates are coming down

When interest rates began to rise, so did mortgage rates. Some home owner’s monthly payments began to triple.

Some others had made offers on higher priced houses but suddenly couldn’t afford them when rates went up.

As such, home owners again lowered prices to combat this.

Now mortgage rates are dropping once again. Although they are certainly nowhere near where they were a couple of years ago, some lenders now have products at below 5 per cent.

If rates fall further, this could actually boost house prices.

This puts confidence back in the property market and heightens affordability once again.

Inflation has slowed

Inflation cooled more than expected in October 2023, from 6.7 per cent to 4.6 per cent.

It has now more than halved from its peak of 11.1 per cent in October 2022. This has been a relief for many who are struggling with the cost of living.

Inflation slowing is another confidence boost to the property market.

So will we see a market crash?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a crystal ball here at Benwell Daykin.

All the above seems very positive and if things continue as they have been doing, we would expect to see house prices increase rather than decrease.

However, the world and the economy is ever changing and we just don’t know what tomorrow might bring.

How much is your house worth right now? Where ever you are in Nottinghamshire, contact our friendly team to find out today.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nottingham Lettings Update

October 2023 and the Nottingham lettings market is booming.

According to the BBC, landlords are now seeing at least 25 interested parties looking at every individual property.

Looking back at the rental market in 2019, this was down to an average of just 6 parties looking at the same house or flat.

Rental price rises

This news now comes at the time when the average rental price outside of London has hit £1,278 – a new record. This alone is a 10 per cent increase since July.

Looking specifically at Nottingham, the average rental price for those letting their property is £1502 pcm (Homes.co.uk)

Why are rents rising in Nottingham?

Rents are rising in Nottingham for a number of reasons. The city has an extremely large student population and many students are now returning after COVID.

Many individuals, couples and families are also now turning to the rental market since high mortgage rates have made home ownership a distant prospect.

Earlier this year, Benwell Daykin also reported that renting could soon be cheaper than buying in the Nottingham area.

Housing demand outstripping supply

Another reason for such a large amount of applications for each property is that supply is fairly low.

Many landlords are looking to sell due to mortgage rates, tax changes, EPC changes and more. This means that there is a much smaller range of properties for prospective tenants to choose from.

What does this mean for landlords?

If you’re looking at letting a property to tenants then your void periods are likely to be minimal. This should obviously save you some money, especially for those who still have a buy to let mortgage.

If you were considering selling your property then it may be an idea to wait and let it out instead.

How can tenants successfully rent their dream property?

With demand so high, letting agent Benwell Daykin can offer a few tips on how to successfully rent a property.

  • Start looking early to ensure you aren’t left without a home. With 25 parties looking at each rental property, the chances of getting rejected are unfortunately high
  • Ensure you have all your paperwork in place, including ID, payslips and references
  • Calculate your finances and make sure you aren’t out pricing yourself. Remember to include funds for your deposit, bills, furniture and more
  • Set up alerts on Rightmove or Zoopla. This means you will get an email as soon as new lettings properties are listed

Want more lettings information?

Talk to Benwell Daykin who can help both landlords and tenants. Call 0115 990 2007 today. We can even provide free valuations.

We have been successfully matching tenants to rental properties for years and offer free advice over the phone.

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House Prices STILL Continue To Rise Despite Economic Outlook

In an astonishing twist of events, the UK housing market has defied all expectations by experiencing an unforeseen surge in house prices during June 2023. This unexpected upward trajectory has left homeowners, potential buyers, and industry experts astounded.

The surprise monthly rise of 0.1% reversed a 0.1% fall in May and confounded economist forecasts of a 0.3% fall. It pushed the average cost of a house in the UK up slightly to £262,239. This is according to Nationwide.

Two-year fixed-rate mortgage rates have continued to climb past 6% after the Bank of England increased interest rates by half a point to 5% in June in an attempt to curb stubbornly high inflation. The average two-year fixed deal edged higher again on Friday, to 6.39% from 6.37% the day before, according to Moneyfacts. The average five-year fix rose to 5.96% from 5.94%.

Nottingham growth tops UK

Nottingham property price growth still continues to outperform all areas in the UK according to Hometrack.

In the last 12 months, property prices rose in the area by 10.9%. This means a £150,000 property grew to £165,000 in just 1 year.

In the last 3 months alone, Nottingham property prices grew by 1.4%.

The average Nottingham house price now stands at £198,000.

It’s always a good time to sell

Ready to see how much you have made on your property since purchasing?

Get a free property valuation by calling Benwell Daykin today on 0115 9902007 or use the form below.

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    Rents continuing to push higher in current lettings market

    uk lettings rental prices

    Renters are having to look at renting smaller properties with lower running costs as rents continue to rise across Nottinghamshire and throughout the UK.

    According to Zoopla’s latest quarterly rental market report, the average rent has increased by £115 per month since last year, reaching £1,051 per calendar month – and accounting for 34.4% of the average income of a single earner.

    Why are rents rising in the housing market?

    This surge in rental prices is heavily impacted by a severe supply and demand imbalance. The average letting agent currently has just eight homes available to rent, with the rest of their stock all tenanted and unlikely to change.

    With the cost of living ever increasing, renters do not want to spend extra money moving home.

    Another reason for this is that Landlords are looking to sell some of their properties. This is both down to the cost of living but also with so many legislation changes over the last few years.

    According to Zoopla, currently, approximately 3 in 4 renters will decide to stay in their current property.

    Key rental takeaways

    These are the key facts taken from Zoopla’s research:

      • Renters are choosing two-bed apartments over three-bed family homes to reduce outgoings as the cost of living rises

      • Rents on new lets have gone up £115 per calendar month compared with this time last year, rising faster than wages

      • In a market where demand is massively outstripping supply, rents are likely to keep going up into 2023

    Rental growth has accelerated over the last 12 months from an annual rate of less than 2% in July 2021 to 12.3% today, while rental growth is out-pacing earnings growth in all regions and countries of the UK.  Rental growth is ranging from 7.6% in the North East to a staggering 18% in London – however, there are signs that rental growth is close to peaking.

    How can Benwell Daykin Lettings help?

    As letting agents in Nottingham, we want to strike a balance between helping rents to remain affordable, but at the same time allowing Landlords to make the most from their investment properties.

    We are constantly monitoring market conditions to ensure the best possible rental prices are being achieved on all properties managed in our portfolio.

    Worried about legislation? We take care of this for you!

    We know exactly what it takes to ensure all properties are legally compliant. If a property is managed by Benwell Daykin then all of this is taken care of, without stress.

    Find out more about our lettings services

    You can talk to our friendly team today by calling 0115 990 2007 or by using our contact page.

     

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    Live Like Bruce Wayne in Wollaton, Nottingham

    wayne manor wollaton nottingham

    Wayne Manor, Nottingham

    Have you ever looked at Bruce Wayne’s mansion and wish you lived a life just like him?

    Well now, maybe you can in Nottingham – at least, you could live in the same area as where Bruce Wayne once lived.

    For those who don’t know, filming for the Dark Knight Rises took place at Wollaton Hall. Nottingham played host to all the stars including Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman and the legendary Michael Caine.

    Here is a clip of the film featuring much of the grounds at Wollaton Park.

    Wollaton Hall took on a very special role in when it appeared as ‘Wayne Manor’ in The Dark Knight Trilogy.

    The Hall is an Elizabethan country house of the 1580s standing on a small but prominent hill in Wollaton Park. The surrounding parkland has a herd of deer, and is regularly used for large-scale outdoor events such as rock concerts, sporting events and festivals such as Splendour.

    Can you visit Wayne Manor?

    Are you looking to visit Wayne Manor? Well the answer is most definitely a yes. The house is now Nottingham Natural History Museum, with Nottingham Industrial Museum in the outbuildings.

    You are able to walk around the grounds for free, although there is a small parking charge on site.

    There are a variety of add-ons, such as private group tours, historical tours, and paid access to whatever exhibit is on display at the time. You can also book it for weddings, perfect for the ultimate Batman fan.

    There are over 90 red and 120 fallow deer at Wollaton. These wild deer are incredible to see, though during the rutting season (September and October), stags are protective of hinds, and during calving season (June and July) deer tend to their young, so we ask the public maintain a safe distance at all times.

    About Wollaton

    So, now you know all about the famous Wollaton Hall and the filming of the Dark Knight Rises, what is it like to live in the area?

    Wollaton itself stretches across a large area, from Torvill Drive and Russell Drive near the Bilborough area in the north, down to Bramcote Lane, Woodbank Drive and Appledore Avenue in the south, stretching as far south as the woodland now called ‘Bramcote Ridge’. West to east it stretches from Trowell Moor and Balloon Woods on the west, across to Sutton Passeys Crescent and the former gatehouse to Wollaton Park, Lenton Lodge on Derby Road in the east.

    The current city ward boundaries divide Wollaton into Wollaton West, and Wollaton East with Lenton Abbey.

    It is considered one of the most desirable parts of the city in which to live, with relatively high house prices. This is largely due to the good quality schools, traditional public houses and good access to the M1 via the A52 to the South and the A610 to the North

    Wollaton Property Prices

    Properties in Wollaton had an overall average price of £323,914 over the last year.

    The majority of sales in Wollaton during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £405,083. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £249,143, with terraced properties fetching £187,042.

    Overall, sold prices in Wollaton over the last year were 1% up on the previous year and 14% up on the 2019 peak of £284,680.

    Is Gotham a real place?

    We couldn’t mention Batman and Wollaton without also mentioning Gotham, Nottinghamshire.

    Yes, it is a real place and apparently has a connection with Batman.

    It is worth noting, however, that Gotham in Nottinghamshire is pronounced ‘goat-em’, rather than Batman’s ‘goth-am’.

    People in Gotham are accustomed to hearing Batman jokes, but many aren’t aware of its historical connection to the fictional Gotham City. So how did a sleepy Nottinghamshire settlement lend its name to a city of crime and corruption?

    Gotham is now a friendly village popular with families, but a few hundred years ago its residents had a reputation for “madness”.

    One story goes that King John, also the villain in the legend of Robin Hood, was due to travel through Gotham on his way to nearby Nottingham.

    Any road the king travelled on would become a public highway, so the villagers are said to have feigned madness to deter the king – as it was thought to be infectious.

    Their absurd acts included building a fence around a bush to prevent a cuckoo escaping, and attempting to drown an eel in a pond.

    The trick worked, leading to the saying: “There are more fools pass through Gotham than remain in it.” Villagers were also dubbed the Wise Men of Gotham.

    The American author Washington Irving became aware of the tales and was the first person to link Gotham in England with New York in the US.

    He repeatedly referred to Manhattan as Gotham when writing, in 1807, in the Salmagundi papers, a satirical periodical mocking New Yorkers.

    Although the city and village have not been twinned, the former mayor of New York sent a letter wishing Gotham well and acknowledging the link between the two places.

    Looking to buy or sell in Wollaton or Gotham?

    Talk to Benwell Daykin estate agents on 0115 990 2007.

    Alternatively you can email us via our contact page.