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.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.
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?

Saint Edwin's Chapel Cross lies just outside the village of Edwinstowe. In 1205 King John paid an annual stipend of 4 shillings to the hermit of Clipstone who sang in St Edwin's Chapel in Birchwude (Birklands Wood). The chapel at that time was part of the landscape of Royal Deer Park and Palace of the King's Houses (now known as King John's Palace) that were the royal heart of Medieval Sherwood Forest. The cross can be visited via footpath along the northern boundary of Clipstone parish. Saint Edwin's Stone marking the chapel in Sherwood Forest.

9. Saint Edwin's Stone

Saint Edwin's Chapel Cross lies just outside the village of Edwinstowe. In 1205 King John paid an annual stipend of 4 shillings to the hermit of Clipstone who sang in St Edwin's Chapel in Birchwude (Birklands Wood). The chapel at that time was part of the landscape of Royal Deer Park and Palace of the King's Houses (now known as King John's Palace) that were the royal heart of Medieval Sherwood Forest. The cross can be visited via footpath along the northern boundary of Clipstone parish. Saint Edwin's Stone marking the chapel in Sherwood Forest. Photo: The Sheriff of Nottingham Facebook

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Sherwood Pines Forest Park is a forest park located near the village of Kings Clipstone. It has various routes to explore. Originally called Clipstone Heath, it was acquired by Forestry England in 1925 and planted with trees in response to a wood shortage after World War I. The area was used as a training ground for soldiers based at Clipstone Camp. Remnants of the trenches they built can still be seen in the forest. Sherwood Pines is the largest forest and park with public access in the East Midlands. It covers 3,300 acres and offers many activities and attractions.

10. Sherwood Pines

Sherwood Pines Forest Park is a forest park located near the village of Kings Clipstone. It has various routes to explore. Originally called Clipstone Heath, it was acquired by Forestry England in 1925 and planted with trees in response to a wood shortage after World War I. The area was used as a training ground for soldiers based at Clipstone Camp. Remnants of the trenches they built can still be seen in the forest. Sherwood Pines is the largest forest and park with public access in the East Midlands. It covers 3,300 acres and offers many activities and attractions. Photo: Archive/National World

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Rufford Abbey, Ollerton, was moderately wealthy and able to sustain a community of monks between its completion in about 1170 and its suppression in 1536. Originally a Cistercian abbey, it was converted to a country house in the 16th century after King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. It is now a tourist attraction and country park.

11. Rufford Abbey

Rufford Abbey, Ollerton, was moderately wealthy and able to sustain a community of monks between its completion in about 1170 and its suppression in 1536. Originally a Cistercian abbey, it was converted to a country house in the 16th century after King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. It is now a tourist attraction and country park. Photo: Sophie Wills

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Newstead Abbey, on Nottingham Road in Ravenshead, was formerly an Augustinian priory. The original Newstead Abbey was founded by Henry II as an Augustinian priory in the twelfth century. Converted to a domestic home following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it is now best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. Newstead Park is open all year round during the week, while the Historic House is open weekends, bank and school holidays.

12. Newstead Abbey

Newstead Abbey, on Nottingham Road in Ravenshead, was formerly an Augustinian priory. The original Newstead Abbey was founded by Henry II as an Augustinian priory in the twelfth century. Converted to a domestic home following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it is now best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. Newstead Park is open all year round during the week, while the Historic House is open weekends, bank and school holidays. Photo: Andy Jakeman

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