Mansfield Market Place

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Mansfield is a busy town at the heart of Robin Hood country.

At the hub of the town is its market place which boasts a colourful history and tradition. This complements the more recent shopping facilities combine to produce an attractive place for people to visit.

Dominating the town centre skyline is the 15 arch viaduct which was built for the extension of the Midland Railway Company railway from Nottingham to Worksop. It was first used in 1875 but passenger services stopped on the line in 1964 to be restarted 31 years later with the advent of the Robin Hood Line.

One of Mansfield's great shopping attractions is the market, which carries on a 700 year old tradition. Mansfield's market charter was first granted in 1227, there has been a tradition of great outdoor markets in our town ever since. On main market day there are over 230 stalls offering something for everyone. Hot snacks and seating are available at the Outdoor Food Court which is next to the Old Town Hall.

At the centre of the Market Place is the Bentinck Memorial which was built in 1849 in memory of Lord George Bentinck, the younger son of the fourth Duke of Portland. He was an MP for many years and well known for his friendship with Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.

Unfortunately the memorial was never completed because money raised through public subscription ran out before the statue of Lord Bentinck could be placed in the middle.

Buildings of note around the market place include the Town Hall which was completed in 1836 and the Moot Hall on the Westgate corner of the Market Place which was built in 1752 by the former Lady of the Manor of Mansfield, Henrietta Cavendish Holles, Countess of Oxford and Mortimer.

Not only does the market provide bargains galore, but shoppers also have a variety of other retailers to choose from on the streets in the town centre and Mansfield's two indoor shopping centres, the Four Seasons and Rosemary Centre. Both are on one level and easily accessible to wheelchair users and disabled people. Further afield are the new St Peter's and Portland Sidings Retail parks.

There is an exciting mix of shops ranging from the large national chains such as Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Littlewoods, Co-op Department Store and BHS to smaller specialist stores.

Away from the town centre, the district's communities are well catered for with shops to meet their everyday needs.