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.placeholder image
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.

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?

The Parliament Oak is a veteran tree on Peafield Lane and is said to have been the site for impromptu-parliaments held by King John and King Edward I. Legends linked to the Parliament Oak go as far back as 1212, when King John is said to have quickly convened a parliament there to seek approval for the execution of 28 sons of Welsh chieftains who were being held hostage in Nottingham Castle. The tree is now cared for by the Sherwood Forest Trust. Image by Warsop Old Hall/Old Warsop Society.

5. The Parliament Oak

The Parliament Oak is a veteran tree on Peafield Lane and is said to have been the site for impromptu-parliaments held by King John and King Edward I. Legends linked to the Parliament Oak go as far back as 1212, when King John is said to have quickly convened a parliament there to seek approval for the execution of 28 sons of Welsh chieftains who were being held hostage in Nottingham Castle. The tree is now cared for by the Sherwood Forest Trust. Image by Warsop Old Hall/Old Warsop Society. Photo: Warsop Old Hall

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The headstocks were designed by Young and Purves and built by Head Wrightson Colliery Engineering. They were completed in 1953 and were the tallest headstocks in Europe at the time. The colliery opened in 1922 and operated until 2003. At its peak, it employed over 1,300 men and produced almost a million tons of coal in 1986. The headstocks and powerhouse are Grade II listed buildings and have been preserved. A Mansfield-based developer purchased the buildings, headstocks, and surrounding land in 2020. Plans are to redevelop the site as a multi-purpose leisure facility.

6. Clipstone Headstocks

The headstocks were designed by Young and Purves and built by Head Wrightson Colliery Engineering. They were completed in 1953 and were the tallest headstocks in Europe at the time. The colliery opened in 1922 and operated until 2003. At its peak, it employed over 1,300 men and produced almost a million tons of coal in 1986. The headstocks and powerhouse are Grade II listed buildings and have been preserved. A Mansfield-based developer purchased the buildings, headstocks, and surrounding land in 2020. Plans are to redevelop the site as a multi-purpose leisure facility. Photo: Brian Eyre

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King John's Palace is the remains of a former medieval royal residence in Clipstone. The name "King John's Palace" has been used since the 18th century; prior to that the site was known as the "King's Houses". The Palace was visited by all 8 kings from Henry II to Richard II, with King John possibly holding parliament there in the early 13th century and Edward I holding Parliament there in 1290.

7. King John's Palace

King John's Palace is the remains of a former medieval royal residence in Clipstone. The name "King John's Palace" has been used since the 18th century; prior to that the site was known as the "King's Houses". The Palace was visited by all 8 kings from Henry II to Richard II, with King John possibly holding parliament there in the early 13th century and Edward I holding Parliament there in 1290. Photo: King John's Palace Archaeology Facebook

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Field Mill, currently known as One Call Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football ground in Mansfield and is the home of Mansfield Town Football Club. It is the oldest ground in the Football League, hosting football since 1861, although some reports date it back as far as 1850. It is considered the second oldest football ground in the world. Field Mill staged the first competitive match to be played under artificial light in this country when the North Notts League Senior Cup final was played at Field Mill under floodlights in 1930. A full rundown of its history can be viewed at: www.stagsnet.net/fm/history/History.html

8. Mansfield Town Football Club home ground

Field Mill, currently known as One Call Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football ground in Mansfield and is the home of Mansfield Town Football Club. It is the oldest ground in the Football League, hosting football since 1861, although some reports date it back as far as 1850. It is considered the second oldest football ground in the world. Field Mill staged the first competitive match to be played under artificial light in this country when the North Notts League Senior Cup final was played at Field Mill under floodlights in 1930. A full rundown of its history can be viewed at: www.stagsnet.net/fm/history/History.html Photo: Mansfield Town Football Club

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