Fig 1: The preserved Clipstone Colliery headstocks and winding engine house in June 2026. Photo by David Amos

Clipstone Headstocks Museum

Nottinghamshire’s mining and military museum is based on the site of the preserved Clipstone Headstocks at the former Clipstone Colliery. The colliery was sunk by the influential Bolsover Colliery Co. from 1920 to 1922 and closed in 2003 by UK Coal, being the fourth last Nottinghamshire colliery to close.

Fig 2: Upcast preserved headstock and interior at the Clipstone Headstocks. Photo by David Amos

Fig 3: Sinkers at Clipstone Colliery in 1922. Photo David Amos collection. 

Fig 4: Capped and filled in shaft at Clipstone Headstocks upcast shaft pit top. Photo by David Amos

The preserved headstocks, the tallest in Europe, were Grade II listed in 2000. They were erected in the early 1950’s, at the time when the shafts were deepened to the Blackshale horizon at just over 1,000 yards and Koepe winding was introduced.

Fig 5: Clipstone Colliery in the early 1970’s. Photo Credit – David Amos collection.

Fig 6: Model showing operation of Koepe winding at the site of the capped downcast shaft pit top area. Photo by David Amos.

Operated by Nottinghamshire Mining Heritage Centre CIC, the headstocks and power house became a museum in 2024 after the site was purchased by Stuart Mills. In addition to coal mining and military displays, the site also features a collection of Raleigh bicycles plus displays on Clipstone WW1 army camp and Robin Hood.

Fig 7: Preserved colliery electric winding engine at the Clipstone Headstocks Museum. Photo by David Amos.

Fig 8: Coal face at Clipstone Colliery in the Deep Soft seam. Photo Credit – David Amos collection.

Fig 9: Guided tour at Clipstone Headstocks Museum, 26th June 2026. Photo by David Amos.

Guided tours of the site at the cost of £8 for adults and £4 for under 10’s are available on Friday’s (11am) from the start of March to the end of October. The tours are volunteer run with all monies raised going towards the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the site.

Fig 10: Flame Safety lamp display in the preserved Winding Engine and Power House at Clipstone Headstocks. Photo by David Amos.

Special events take place during the year, previous ones have included concerts, car shows, military events, fun fairs, food festivals and firework displays. Group visits are available, more details at www.clipstoneheadstocks.com

Fig 11: Clipstone UDM and NACODS branch banners on display at the Clipstone Headstocks museum. Photos by David Amos.

Fig 12: Closure of Clipstone Colliery in 2003. Photo Credit – David Amos collection.

Fig 13: Model of Clipstone Headstocks and commemorative pit plate collection at Clipstone Headstocks Museum. Photo by David Amos.

Short YouTube video clip about the Clipstone Headstocks Museum. (2 mins. 09 secs)

Blog by David Amos

Posted 19th July 2026