Mansfield is a town that I haven’t visited before. It lies some 70 miles south of York, in Nottinghamshire, and when Katharine and I went to the wedding where Lucy was bridesmaid on Sunday, we had a little time before the marriage service to explore part of the town centre.
There are numerous attractive buildings, particularly in the area around the market place, many built in the local yellow sandstone.
Church Street runs from the east side of the market square, and the shot here shows the view along it, with the railway viaduct towering above, and the spire of St Peter and St Peter's Church in the distance.
The viaduct of 15 arches was built in 1875 by the Midland Railway Company, and must give an impressive view over the town centre when passing over it on a train.
St Peter and St Paul's Church was recorded in the Domesday book in 1086, and is thought to date back to Saxon times. It was rebuild in the early 1300's following a fire, and the spire was added in 1666.
This is a fascinating town to look round - it would be nice to go back again and explore it in a more thorough and leisurely way.
I did a study of homelessness in Mansfield many years ago. It was a pretty depressed place then - looks and sounds much better now! But then I wasn't focused on the town's history at that time, or photo opportunities!
Very European. love these small towns. are those white lines indication for parking spaces to the right of the picture, but I see no cars. thanks for sharing the history of this town.
Great composition and history of the area. The people and buildings give the viaduct perspective on how high it is. The town does warrant a return visit.
Thank you Camille - it would have been nice to have a closer look at the viaduct and the railway station, which is apparently an attractive old building, but sadly there wasn't time.
Thank you Therese - and that arch is one of 15! It would have been nice to find a viewpoint along the viaduct from below. Perhaps on a future visit I will get chance to do that!
Thank you Molly - much seems to have been done to make the centre of Mansfield attractive, with pedestrian areas, flower displays etc, but I can imagine it being much less attractive in it's industrial past!
Thank you Bob - I've since downloaded a town trail walk around Mansfield, and there are some fascinating places we didn't get to, so another visit is definitely worth arranging!
Thank you Graham - I was rather surprised by Mansfield, it's much nicer that it's reputation!
Ian
Thank you Camille - it would have been nice to have a closer look at the viaduct and the railway station, which is apparently an attractive old building, but sadly there wasn't time.
Ian
Thank you Padlock - sadly the brewery closed about 10 years ago and was demolished, and the site is awaiting redevelopment.
Ian
Thank you Nia - I agree, a more detailed exploration would be fascinating!
Ian
Thank you Therese - and that arch is one of 15! It would have been nice to find a viewpoint along the viaduct from below. Perhaps on a future visit I will get chance to do that!
Ian
Thank you Hazel - it would be fascinating to see the full length of the viaduct!
Ian
Thank you Molly - much seems to have been done to make the centre of Mansfield attractive, with pedestrian areas, flower displays etc, but I can imagine it being much less attractive in it's industrial past!
Ian
Thank you Ferry - I was surprised how attractive Mansfield was, and I would like to visit again sometime!
Ian
Thank you Bruni - no cars here because this area is now a pedestrian zone, though there are cars down towards the church.
Ian
Thank you Brian, glad you like it.
Ian
Thank you Junan, glad you like it.
Ian
Thank you Bob - I've since downloaded a town trail walk around Mansfield, and there are some fascinating places we didn't get to, so another visit is definitely worth arranging!
Ian
Thank you Tony - it was a shame I didn't have time to find a place for a shot along all 15 arches of the viaduct from below. Perhaps next time!
Ian
Thank you Karin - it was a fascinating place. Sadly we only had around 40 minutes to explore, so Mansfield is now on my 'to visit again' list.
Ian
Thank you Lee, glad you like it.
Ian
Thank you MaryAnn - Mansfield is an old industrial town that has been transformed in recent years, judging by old and new photos online.
Ian
Thank you Kathy, glad you like it!
Ian