The reason notoriously steep St Ann's street got its 'Donkey Hill' nickname

Its nickname is widely adopted but only 'semi-official'

St Bartholomew's Road, located in the St Ann's and Thorneywood area of Nottingham, is more commonly referred to by locals as Donkey Hill, a name that has puzzled some but is deeply rooted in the city's history. The road's steep incline is believed to be the reason behind its nickname, which has been widely adopted by residents over the years.

Speaking previously, Hilary Silvester, of the Nottingham Civic Society, said: "As far as I know it's always been known as Donkey Hill.

"I think people used donkeys as pack horses to get goods up the road, it would have been too steep for a pony or a horse and cart. I've been in Thorneywood most of my life and I think most people in Nottingham refer to it as Donkey Hill."

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Highlighting the local recognition of the moniker, she added: "Interestingly, the bus stop on St Ann's Wells Road still says Donkey Hill, it's semi-official."

Nottingham's landscape features several steep hills, with Freda Avenue in Gedling earning the ominous nickname "Death Hill".

The use of donkeys on Donkey Hill became particularly prevalent during the early 20th century when houses were being built along the route, with bricks transported from a nearby brickyard off Porchester Road.

Today, Donkey Hill is mainly a residential area with a handful of businesses located where it intersects St Ann's Well Road. Previously known as Assart Close—'assart' meaning land cleared from a forest for cultivation—Nottingham City Council once intended to transform the land into a recreational space.

However, due to the terrain, it was ultimately deemed more suitable for development. An article by the Nottingham Evening Post in 1907 reported: "Several members advocated the [idea] on the ground that the Assart Close land was very valuable as building site, that a better bargain could be made, and that a more suitable location for a recreation ground could be obtained."

The name St Bartholomew's Road, how the road is officially recognised, likely traces back to the erstwhile St Bartholomew's Church, which stood from 1902 until its demolition in 1971 on Blue Bell Hill Road.