City Guides
Rotherham
History
Rotherham established itself as an important market town during the Saxon era. With the creation of a respected college, The College of Jesus, to rival those of Oxford and Cambridge, and the building of the All Saints Church, Rotherham gained a reputation as modern and fashionable town. However, as a consequence of political disruption, the college was closed down and Rotherham declined and eventually became known as a gambling town.
In later years, coal seams were discovered in the area and mining provided employment to hundreds of Rotherham men. The steel and iron industries also provided work and were primarily responsible for raising the economic status of the town. Templeborough steelworks gave jobs to more than ten thousand men in the area, and produced just less than two million tonnes of steel every year. The works closed in 1993, and the building now houses the Magna Science Adventure Centre.
Despite having a history stretching back to the Saxon era, Rotherham is surprisingly lacking in historical buildings and sites. This is due to the extensive modernisation and regeneration of the town that has taken place during the last century.
Historical buildings worthy of note, however, include a sixteenth century pub in the town centre, and the fifteenth century bridge chapel known as ‘Chapel on the Bridge’ on Chantry Bridge also in the town centre. There is also the fifteenth century Minster, standing on the site of the former All Saints Church, and the medieval ruins of an Abbey in nearby Maltby.
The Clifton Park Museum, on Clifton Lane, has twice been nominated for Museum of the Year, and houses an impressive collection of exhibits, documenting the changing face of Rotherham through the ages. There are also interactive elements to the exhibitions, suitable for children, and a children’s play area. The museum houses a gift shop and café. Parking and entry are free.
The York and Lancaster Regimental Museum explores two hundred years of military history with its exhibition of military equipment and weapons and soldiers’ personal belongings. The museum is located in the Rotherham Arts Centre, and open every day except Sundays, from 9:30am to 5pm. Entry is free.
In later years, coal seams were discovered in the area and mining provided employment to hundreds of Rotherham men. The steel and iron industries also provided work and were primarily responsible for raising the economic status of the town. Templeborough steelworks gave jobs to more than ten thousand men in the area, and produced just less than two million tonnes of steel every year. The works closed in 1993, and the building now houses the Magna Science Adventure Centre.
Despite having a history stretching back to the Saxon era, Rotherham is surprisingly lacking in historical buildings and sites. This is due to the extensive modernisation and regeneration of the town that has taken place during the last century.
Historical buildings worthy of note, however, include a sixteenth century pub in the town centre, and the fifteenth century bridge chapel known as ‘Chapel on the Bridge’ on Chantry Bridge also in the town centre. There is also the fifteenth century Minster, standing on the site of the former All Saints Church, and the medieval ruins of an Abbey in nearby Maltby.
The Clifton Park Museum, on Clifton Lane, has twice been nominated for Museum of the Year, and houses an impressive collection of exhibits, documenting the changing face of Rotherham through the ages. There are also interactive elements to the exhibitions, suitable for children, and a children’s play area. The museum houses a gift shop and café. Parking and entry are free.
The York and Lancaster Regimental Museum explores two hundred years of military history with its exhibition of military equipment and weapons and soldiers’ personal belongings. The museum is located in the Rotherham Arts Centre, and open every day except Sundays, from 9:30am to 5pm. Entry is free.
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