Nottingham Laces

[Wilford Jr.]

Would anyone please explain to me what Nottingham laces are?  Since I am American, I wonder if this is an ENglish expression.  I believe the line "throw away my life in the fireplace with the old love letters and the Nottingham laces" comes from the song "Solomon" from the album "Songs From the Lion's Cage".  Any help would be appreciated.  I am always trying to understand more and more of the meanings behind Arena songs.  Especially when we know that Clive puts so much time and effort into his lyrics.  Thanks.

[Appelmoes??]

One time a googled for Nothingham laces and got some site with actual laces... But I'm not sure if that's what Clive meant

[johninblack]

Nottingham was (and probably still is) the center of the lace industry in the U.K. but any expression refering to 'Nottingham Laces' I am not familier with....that obviously dosn't mean there isn't one. I think the ultimate answer to this would probably best be answered by Clive himself.

[bellanova]

Maybe the lace was sent as a gift with the love letters as a token of love. i heard this somewhere many, many years ago but i cant remember where. And yeah, Nottingham was very well known for its lace like Sheffield is known for its steel. Maybe Clive can help cos im probably totally wrong?

[Wilford Jr.]

When I heard the song I thought that the laces were akin to shoe laces, and that they were tied around the letters as a way of keeping them together in a neat package.  But when I asked this question here, people brought up the question of a different type of lace (the type that adorns clothing as a decoration).  I hadn't thought of this.  Does anyone have any other ideas as to what this line in the song could mean?  Maybe Clive will help us out with a quick answer.