Clipstone Headstocks Museum

Clipstone headstocks Museum offers a unique experience, a journey back in time starting in 1885 when the Raleigh bicycle manfucturer started production. Our display of Raleigh bikes extends through all decades.

The tour continues as you are told some little known facts, a steam roller is on show as the worlds first tarmac road was laid in Notts and…. Clipstone was the first place in Britian to hold speed time trails, that was 1900. Hence the display of a Nottingham made Brough Superior motorcycle that was used on the Clipstone Drive “one mile straight”.

Moving on to 1914 as you step into Clipstone Camp which was the largest army training camp in Britain, holding 30,000 troops at a time. See the huts they stayed in, the bits they left behind, the artillery they used and even a Model T Ford with genuine bullet holes in the door.

The war them continues as you move to 1939 and a display of equipment, vehicles and a gallery telling the story of Nottinghamshires important role in WW2.

To end the war department you have a large display of very unusual vehicles that were used in the Cold War period, amphibious vehicles, scout cars and even a tank with 4 anti aircraft guns that could fire 4000 rounds per minute!

Coal was important to the war effort as it was needed for steel production just up the road in Sheffield. The tour now offers an underground training experience and our guides will tell you how 1300 men pulled out 1 million tons of coal per year from 3000 feet down using the worlds tallest headstocks.

Did I mention that the circular saw was invented in Mansfield? We have lots to tell you about, educational, informative and fun.

Guided tours run every Friday at 11:00 and take approx 1 hour. £8 each.

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Tel: 01623 655522