Photos: Here is a handful of history behind landmarks across the Mansfield area

By Phoebe Cox

Published 2nd Jan 2025, 09:58 BST

Updated 3rd Mar 2025, 11:08 BST

The Mansfield area has a rich history that dates back centuries.

Discover the historical landmarks in the Mansfield area, from remnants of the past to beautiful nature spots…

Can you think of any others?

Located on private land in the village of Blidworth, near Mansfield, the Druid Stone has baffled both professional and amateur historians for centuries. It's not known why there is a man-made hole through the middle of the Druid Stone. The rock itself, composed of a conglomerate of pebbles and sand bound together with limestone, is unremarkable. According to Atlas Obscura, local folklore suggests that at some point over the centuries sick children were passed through the hole because it was believed that this could cure illness. Another theory is that the hole within the stone was created to align with the May Day sunrise in a Gaelic festival called Beltane.

1. Druid Stone

Located on private land in the village of Blidworth, near Mansfield, the Druid Stone has baffled both professional and amateur historians for centuries. It's not known why there is a man-made hole through the middle of the Druid Stone. The rock itself, composed of a conglomerate of pebbles and sand bound together with limestone, is unremarkable. According to Atlas Obscura, local folklore suggests that at some point over the centuries sick children were passed through the hole because it was believed that this could cure illness. Another theory is that the hole within the stone was created to align with the May Day sunrise in a Gaelic festival called Beltane. Photo: Jim Thornton/Nottingham World

Mansfield is known for its historical viaducts, one of which is still in use as a railway line. Built in 1875, the Mansfield Viaduct is an outstanding example of Victorian engineering. It elegantly arches through and above the town, supported by 15 massive arches made of rough-hewn stone. The Grade II listed landmark, which is 240 metres long and 25 metres high, dominates the town’s skyline. At night, all 15 arches, spanning Church Street and Market Street, are floodlit, which turns it into a real local attraction.

2. Mansfield viaduct

Mansfield is known for its historical viaducts, one of which is still in use as a railway line. Built in 1875, the Mansfield Viaduct is an outstanding example of Victorian engineering. It elegantly arches through and above the town, supported by 15 massive arches made of rough-hewn stone. The Grade II listed landmark, which is 240 metres long and 25 metres high, dominates the town’s skyline. At night, all 15 arches, spanning Church Street and Market Street, are floodlit, which turns it into a real local attraction. Photo: LDR

Built around 1817-19 and opened to horse traffic before being updated to a standard gauge railway by the Mansfield & Pinxton Railway, along side Kings Mill Reservoir is of the oldest viaducts in the country. King's Mill viaduct was built by Josiah Jesop in 1817 and was a 'vital' part of life in the town during the 1800s. It is still used today, although not for the railway but as a public walkway.

3. King's Mill viaduct

Built around 1817-19 and opened to horse traffic before being updated to a standard gauge railway by the Mansfield & Pinxton Railway, along side Kings Mill Reservoir is of the oldest viaducts in the country. King's Mill viaduct was built by Josiah Jesop in 1817 and was a 'vital' part of life in the town during the 1800s. It is still used today, although not for the railway but as a public walkway. Photo: Mansfield Chad

The Major Oak, situated in the heart of Sherwood Forest, is one of the most famous landmarks in the area and is recognised worldwide. It is the largest oak tree in Britain and is believed to be between 800 and 1,000 years old. According to local folklore, it was Robin Hood's shelter where he and his merry men slept.

4. The Major Oak

The Major Oak, situated in the heart of Sherwood Forest, is one of the most famous landmarks in the area and is recognised worldwide. It is the largest oak tree in Britain and is believed to be between 800 and 1,000 years old. According to local folklore, it was Robin Hood's shelter where he and his merry men slept. Photo: Anita Maric / SWNS

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