IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Pollard Drive, MANSFIELD, NG18 2HS

This photo shows the rock formation which gives Rock Valley its name. This view was hidden for over a hundred years by the Barringer, Wallis and Manners (later Metal Box) works. No doubt it will disappear again when the site (which is now up for sale) is redeveloped.

On Rock Valley.

The clock tower belonged to the old Metal Box factory in Rock Valley which was demolished in 2011. After a campaign, the decision was taken to preserve the old tower and incorporate it into future developments. At the moment, however, it stands forlorn by St Peter's Way. For a view of how things were see: Image

This photo shows part of the rock formation which gave Rock Valley its name and lay hidden behind the works for over a hundred years. Further information about the site here Image Taken from roughly the same spot as Image

A view from Bath Lane, i.e. the B6033, towards Rock Valley, with several church spires in the town centre beyond. In 1895 Barringer, Wallis & Manners Ltd began a business in the former quarry site ahead. The site was divided into two separate sections, 'Rock Valley Mill' at the north end producing mustard and 'Rock Valley Tin Works' to the south. Over a period of thirty years the site was expanded massively and a new four-storey block - designed by Mansfield architects, Cook, Howard & Lane and incorporating this clock tower - was completed in 1927. In 1939 Barringer Wallis and Manners Co. Ltd was subsumed into the Metal Box Company. When Metal Box plc ceased using the site and the premises were bought by Crown Speciality Packaging, although later on they moved elsewhere. Most of the buildings were demolished in 2011 leaving the clock tower standing alone. At the end of 2020 Jackson Design Associates submitted plans for a retirement community development consisting of approx 36 apartments, 4 maisonettes and 29 bungalows, a project that is currently awaiting consideration. Behind the tower, a road bridge carries an elevated section of St Peter's Way (A6009) over this former quarry. On 23 October 2023 the local planning committee passed a development application for 27 bungalows and 47 apartments in two blocks, one on each side of the clock tower, on this site. See also: http://www.neolithicsea.co.uk/mansfieldmetalbox/content/SDIM8814_large.html

The main entrance to the former Metal Box plc site off Rock Valley (as the road is known). Barringer, Wallis & Manners began a business on this site in the late 19th century. The site was divided into two separate sections, 'Rock Valley Mill' at the north end producing mustard and 'Rock Valley Tin Works' to the south. The company became Barringer Wallis and Manners Ltd in 1895. Over a period of thirty years the site was expanded massively with four new three-storey blocks being built. In 1919 a four-storey block was designed by Mansfield architects, Cook, Howard & Lane. The new building with its prominent landmark clock tower was completed in 1927. The mustard business was sold to Colman's of Norwich in 1919 and in 1939 Barringer Wallis and Manners Co. Ltd was subsumed into the Metal Box Company. When Metal Box plc ceased using the site and the premises were bought by Crown Speciality Packaging, although they have now moved elsewhere. Most of the buildings were demolished in 2011 leaving the clock tower standing alone. The bridge carries St Peter's Way (A6009) over this area. On 23 October 2023 the local planning committee passed a development application for 27 bungalows and 47 apartments in two blocks, one on each side of the clock tower, on the site.

Seen from St Peter's Way. Only visible since the demolition of the former Metal Box works.

All that remains of the works in Rock Valley.

This is all that remains of the extensive Metal Box Company's factory which filled this part of the valley of the River Maun.