Clipstones history started with the sinking of the shafts in the early 20's. But by the 1940's the mine was worked out and deeper shafts were needed to reach more coal. The newly formed National Coal Board Drew up plans for a modernistic superpit with construction beginning in 1950. Two newly sunk 900 meter shafts allowed access to new coal seams with a newly built winding house on the surface housing the huge Koepe winding motors to raise men & materials to the surface, The twin Headstocks located at either end of the winding house were the tallest in the country at over 210ft.

In 2000 the headstocks and winding house were listed for their importance as an early example of the keope winding system in britain. Clipstone closed in 2003. A survey of local residents showed the the majority were in favor of demolition of the Headstocks.

It seems sad that in the UK we aren't willing to convert buildings from our mining heritage to new uses - There are many possibilities for clipstone's reuse, we just don't seem to have the vision to do anything other than demolish historically important structures and build developments that are little more than soulless boxes.