Our Heritage
Idlewells was the name of the manufacturing district of Sutton-in-Ashfield – the second biggest town in Nottinghamshire in 1925 – so named because the River Idle ran directly through it.
In 2016 we worked with Sutton Library and Sutton Heritage Society to develop a pictorial timeline of how our wonderful town has changed over the years – and how Idlewells turned from manufacturing district, to slums, shops – then finally to the covered shopping centre we now know and love. You can see this giant display on the wall of Idlewells between TUI and Mencap. See map.
Idlewells – pre-slum clearance
In 1934 a Slum Clearance Order was issued on the Idlewells area of Sutton-in-Ashfield. Clearance started in 1936.
Sutton Heritage Society
Tick tock…
Anyone who is a regular visitor to Idlewells will be familiar with our wonderful central clock, hanging high above the Café Moda.
Gallery
Here is a selection of photographs – including several that did not appear on our display in the Centre – we hope you enjoy them!
Thanks to Sutton Library, Sutton Heritage Centre, The Chad and Nottingham Free Press for giving us permission to use many of these. If you have any photographs, or would like to share your memories on here, we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch.