Metal Box

The demolition of the Metal Box buildings in Rock Valley, reveal that another era in the industrial history of Mansfield is changing. The buildings date back over 100 years and are recalled by local people as Barringers or Metal box, due to their respective owners. Barringer, Wallis Manners Ltd., and the Metal Box Company. In recent years it became Crown Speciality Packaging, a firm which has now moved to Forest Town.

E. Thomas who took these photographs on the 18th August 2010 said “I think its sad to see such a landmark go, it must hold many memories for so many people.”

And of course it does, in the last two weeks I personally have heard people comment “My mum worked there in ammunitions before I was born”, “I did my apprenticeship there”, My husband used to take his lorry there to be loaded up and the tins were taken to biscuit companies etc., (he worked for Forrest Removals & Haulage Company).

Mansfield Museum is keen to record peoples memories, about Metal Box, and now have an ongoing project about the firm. As a start they are holding a Mansfield Metal Box Memory Day Friday 3 September 2010 for people who are able to visit the Museum between 10am-4pm. Additionally it is hoped that people will had their comments and memories at the end of this page.

If you have photographs or other memorabilia please contact Jodie Henshaw at the museum on 01623 463088 jhenshaw@mansfield.gov.uk

 

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Comments about this page

  • My late father Tug recalled Rachel Manners well, on the magistrates bench, always wearing tweeds, she lived at Innesdoon, Chesterfield Rd. a friend lived at Redleaf, High Oakham Drive, built by Robert Barringer her uncle, a lovely house. I knew Arthur Littlewood whose family originated from Rock Valley, Maurice Boaler I knew was in management, of the plumbing family W. G. Boaler, I understand the church who was going on the site went through, it’s a sad place at present.

    By Mark Wilson (30/06/2019)
  • The CHAD 8th September 2010 reported that the Tuxford firm that now own the former Metal Box site are aiming to preserve the factory’s historic clock tower as part of their new development.

    By Pauline Marples (26/09/2010)
  • I think it’s criminal, that another land mark in Mansfield has to go. They should keep the tower or at least try and keep it on the same site. As it’s a land mark you can see it all over Mansfield.

    By Pam Kitchen (04/09/2010)

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