The Local List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest. Written and researched by Ian Hawkridge, Dip TP, MRTPI (Retd).

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1 1 Rotherham District Civic Society The Local List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest Written and researched by Ian Hawkridge, Dip TP, MRTPI (Retd). Photographs taken by Peter Hawkridge. The proposed local listings for Swinton were written and researched by Ken Wyatt and Giles Brearley of the Swinton Heritage Society. Introduction: Policy SP48 of the Rotherham Local Plan includes a commitment by the Council to produce and maintain a list of Locally Listed Buildings (LLB's). In 2015 the Society, in accordance with its principal objectives of encouraging 'high standards of architecture and planning 1, and 'encouraging the preservation, development and improvement of features of general public amenity or historic interest gave an undertaking to Commissioner Julie Kenny that it would assist the Council in whatever way it could with the process of preparing the Local List. The Society notes that the criteria to be used for the designation of Locally Listed Buildings are: /. Any building or structure which dates from before 1840; 2. Later buildings or structures which are considered to be of definite quality and character, including the work of important architects or builders. Particular attention will be paid to buildings which: * Have important historic associations, in terms of famous people or events; * Illustrates an important aspect of social or economic history or use; * Represent an exceptionally good example of a specific and distinctive architectural style; * Demonstrate excellence in building craftsmanship, use of materials, technical innovation, architectural features and detailing; * Form part of a distinctive and cohesive group of buildings; * Retain its original architectural interest and integrity, and not subject to insensitive alterations; * Have landmark quality or make a unique and positive contribution to the quality of the townscape or an open space. In considering this matter it is important to bear in mind that much of Rotherham's pre heritage has already been lost. Twentieth Century suburban development replaced the rural farmsteads that were characteristic of the area to the south of Rotherham Town

2 2 Centre and to the north removed the physical evidence of 18thC mine working particularly in the Kimberworth, Kimberworth Park, and Greasbrough districts. Additionally much of the historic industrial environment such as the Walker ironworks and Peter Stubs works were destroyed as a result of redevelopment carried out in the 1950's and 1960's. Whilst society in general has become more aware and appreciative of the importance of the historic environment since this time it is worth noting that of the 19 properties listed in the County Borough of Rotherham Development Plan (1955) as being of special architectural of historic interest only 12 survive. Additionally less than 50% of the 15 properties identified at that time as meriting 'the Planning Authority's special consideration' remain. Whilst this position may not be precisely mirrored throughout the Metropolitan Borough it is clear to the Society that much of the present built environment character of the Rotherham area is dependent upon buildings built after 1840, and this is reflected in the content of the Society's suggested List. In preparing this 'Local List', the Society has invited suggestions from its membership, from the wider public via articles in the local press, and by e - mailing local history groups etc. Where appropriate these comments are included within the text. Wherever possible the Society has provided details of the Architect and approximate date of construction by referencing the late 19thC / early 20thC Building Plans held by the Rotherham Archives & Local Studies Service. The archive is at its most comprehensive where it relates to the former Rotherham County Borough Council area. Regrettably it appears that none of the plans for the former Rawmarsh and Swinton Urban District Council areas were passed on to the Archive Service. The Society has limited resources itself and readily admits that the enclosed listing excludes large areas of the Borough. It does, however, hope that individuals and societies with far greater local knowledge of the many towns and villages missing from this list will now come forward and contribute to the Local Listing process by making their views known to the Borough Council.

3 3 Rotherham Town Centre and environs Note 1; The abbreviated reference RTCM Plan contained in the text refers to the Rotherham Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. Interim Planning Statement published by RMBC in June The statements in italics are direct quotes from this document, unless separately attributed. Note 2; The former Rotherham Municipal Borough Council, and Rotherham County Borough Council, are referred to in the text as 'the Rotherham Corporation' which was the name normally applied in early 20 th century reports on local government matters. Bridgegate: 36 Bridgegate: This is described as a small neo classical building with giant decorated pilasters framing large windows (through first and second floor levels). This building was erected in 1926 as part of a comprehensive plan by the Rotherham Corporation to widen Bridgegate on its western side. Occupied by E & F Fawley Ltd, ironmongers, until 1967 since when it has seen regular occupancy changes Bridgegate: Providing frontage to the historic Red Lion Inn, which in the early 19 th C had frontage to Bridgegate at No. 39. In 1927 this building and the adjoining shops were rebuilt by Tennant Brothers Brewery of Sheffield in a mock Tudor style. The new building was three stories with showrooms and offices above the shops, and extended over the access to Red Lion Yard. Rebuilding of the property was necessary to comply with a new street improvement line which was required in connection with the creation of the bus terminus in All Saints Square. Recognised as an Unlisted Building of Significance in the RTCM Plan.

4 4 The White Hart Buildings: This is described as a prominent neo-classical building on a corner site. Originally sited directly opposite in what is now All Saints Square the former White Hart was closed as a result of the Ministry of Health's Order of August 1926 sanctioning the compulsory acquisition of the property for street improvements. The new public house, with entrances to Upper Millgate and Bridgegate was commissioned by Messrs Mappins Brewery and was designed by James E. Knight, Architect. The building incorporating lock up shops and a suite of offices was described as being late Georgian in design. 'Externally the building is faced with 'Daneshill multi coloured facing bricks, with Portland stone dressings, and a 'Dreadnought' tiles roof. The sign of the White Hart is treated as a heraldic device, externally and internally, in lead work, plaster work, and stained glass'. The public house opened on the 12 th December 1929 and closed in March 1969 following its acquisition by Barclay's Bank Ltd. The New County Public House: The building is noted as an Unlisted Building of Significance in the RTCM Plan and described as a prominent eclectic corner building. Commissioned by Messrs Mappins Brewery to the designs of David B. Jenkinson, Architect, the building is thought to have been erected in The use of the rounded corner, noted as a feature of local importance in the RTCM Plan, is the direct result of the reduced plot size arising from the Rotherham Corporation's major widening scheme for Bridgegate.

5 5 College Street: College Street: Known locally as Davy's corner, this is described in the RTCM Plan as a neo - Jacobean corner building which is very prominent in All Saints Square. The building was erected as a direct consequence of Rotherham Corporation's town centre improvement scheme which involved a large scale demolition of properties in order to achieve a substantial widening of College Street and other approaches to the new central bus station which was created in what is now known as All Saints Square. In June 1925 Messrs Arthur Davy and Sons received building plans approval from the Rotherham Corporation to rebuild Nos College Street to the designs of James E. Knight, Architect. As a consequence of the street widening scheme being dependent upon the rebuilding plans of individual property owner's provision was made in the design for a temporary ground floor extension to be built between the new building line and the existing street

6 6 line. This remained from the new shop's opening in August 1926 until 1932 when Arthur Davy acquired No. 16, occupied by Joseph Smith and Sons, drapers, and erected an extension to his shop and dining rooms. This building, with its prominent elevation to All Saints Square, although designed by Chapman & Jenkinson, Architects, of Sheffield, explicitly reflected the original design elements established by James E. Knight. 27/29 College Street: Described in the RTCM Plan as a half mock timber early 2(f century building with decorative Art Nouveau style windows. This building is located on the site of the long established Grapes Inn Public House and bonded stores situated to the rear. In March 1920 the owner, the South Yorkshire Wine & Spirits Co. Ltd, received building consent from the former Rotherham Corporation to completely rebuild the Public House to the designs of James R. Wigfull, Architect, of Sheffield in the style referred to above. In August 1932 building consent approval was given to a partial reconstruction of the building by inserting a new steel frame into the existing building and erecting a major steel framed and brick faced extension to the rear to provide warehousing for the new use of the building as a shop. The building re-opened as a branch of Marks & Spencer in March 1933, and has remained in retail use ever since. HSBC Bank, 33 College Street: This is described as Bank, dated 1873, 3 storey with ground floor pilasters with Ionic capitals. The Rotherham Advertiser, on the 15 th July 1876, reported as follows: A new building was opened in Rotherham. It was the new premises of the Sheffield Union Banking Company. The Advertiser said 'Rotherham has long been reproached for the poverty of its buildings and the miserable character of its street architecture. Foremost amongst recent improvements which have been carried out are the new buildings of the Union Bank on College Street'.

7 7 Corporation Street: Natwest Bank, 36 Corporation Street: Described in the RTCM Plan as a large 19* century bank building in stone, 2 storey with balustrade parapet and ornate pediment over main door. Built for the Sheffield Banking Company in 1892, to replace the original house on the site which had been used by the Bank since 1834, the building was designed by the Sheffield architects, M. E. Hadfield, Son and Garland. Michael Clark (The Building Stones of Rotherham, 1995) noted that: This building must mark one of the last uses of 'Rotherham Red' for a major construction project in the town, since the pink sandstone was quarried at Canklow. At ground level, a pale grey igneous rock from Aberdeenshire, Kemnay Granite, has been employed. In late 1913 the northern end of the front elevation had to be rebuilt and inset to comply with the new building line required for the construction of Corporation Street. The altered elevation was designed by Messrs Gibbs, Flockton & Teather, Architects of Sheffield. Former Lloyds Bank, Corporation Street: Described as a small 19' century 2 storey building with 2 entrances on ground floor, first floor has oriel window and balustrade parapet. Occupies prominent corner position. This site was originally owned by Messrs Mappins Masbrough Brewery Co Ltd and extended to probably twice the depth it is now with stabling and warehousing to the rear.

8 8 The Rotherham Corporation Act 1900 included a proposal to build a new highway from the Market Place through to Chantry Bridge. Following a delay of many years a road improvement line was adopted to enable the construction of Corporation Street which substantially reduced Mappins' premises. Accordingly in 1913 Messrs Mappins commissioned local architects H. L. Tacon & Son to design a replacement building to provide new town centre offices for the Brewery and a small shop at the front for the retail sale of wine. Building consent was granted by Rotherham Corporation in August 1913 to the building as it presently exists and it remained in use until It was then sold to Lloyds Bank to be converted and reopened as banking premises in late 1958/early Susan King e - mailed to nominate this building as follows: I recently read an article in the Rotherham Record asking people to give their suggestions for buildings to be added to the list of places that need to be saved. I noticed from the short film on your website that most of the buildings mentioned were really quite old. I seem to notice walking in Rotherham town quite a lot of Art Deco buildings. The one that I particularly like is the old Lloyds Bank on Corporation Street although I have noticed that it just seems to be the frontage of the building. I do not know whether it was ever more than that. Mecca Bingo Hall, 2 Corporation Street: Opened in December 1934 as the Regal Cinema the building was commissioned by Thomas Wade Cinemas Ltd of Wath - upon - Dearne, and designed by Messrs Blackmore and Sykes, Architects, of Hull. A contemporary newspaper report detailed the manner in which piled foundations connected together by a continuous reinforced concrete raft was required to overcome the fact that only a few years previously the site had formed part of the river bed of the River Don. 'The building itself is constructed as a steel framed structure, the steelwork carrying the whole of the weight of the building and being designed to support the whole theatre fully occupied without relying on the strength of the brick walls. With the structure designed in this manner, the contractors were enabled to carry out the roofing of the building, the concrete floors, concrete flats, balcony, and similar work quite independent of the walling. It was only by the adoption of

9 9 this system that it became possible to complete the building in so short a period. The first crane for the hoisting of the steelwork arrived August 1 st. Nineteen weeks after the arrival of this first crane the building was completed for the opening ceremony'. The Cinema was leased to the Odeon Circuit in 1937 and in 1943 was renamed 'The Odeon'. When the lessee changed in 1975 the Cinema was renamed 'The Scala'. The Cinema finally closed in 1983, and was sold in 1988 when it underwent conversion and reopened as the 'Ritz Bingo and Social Club'. This important building lies outside the Town Centre Conservation Area, the western boundary of which runs along the pavement in front of the building. Doncaster Gate: 2, 4 & 6 Doncaster Gate: An early twentieth century corner building with curved facade, the lower two floors being fully glazed. This shares similar architectural detailing as the Imperial Buildings at the opposite end of High Street. Formerly occupied by the historic Pack Horse Inn, the redevelopment of this site was engulfed in controversy at the beginning of the 20 th Century. Following a rejection of proposals to rebuild the public house or erect a hotel on the site the owners, the Old Albion Brewery Co Ltd, eventually decided upon the erection of new retail units and a dwellinghouse on the site. The building was designed by Joseph Platts of Rotherham, the architect who was also responsible for the design of Imperial Buildings and the Masbrough Co-operative premises on the Westgate / Domine Lane corner. Mr Platt s design proposals were approved by the Rotherham Corporation in March Although known locally (by those of a certain age!) as Van Allan's corner, No.2 Doncaster Gate was initially occupied by John Beckett, a Draper, and then by a house furnisher. In 1924 it became a branch of the National Provincial and Union Bank of England, and so it remained until The often recalled Van Allan Ladies Outfitter, occupied the building from no later than 1948 becoming a fixture of the Town Centre for the next few decades.

10 10 It remained in retail use, following the closure of Van Allan's, until 1999 when it was converted into the Legends Bar, subsequently Disraeli's, and finally the short lived Town Gate pub. Recently refurbished and occupied by Grimm & Co. The Civic Theatre, Doncaster Road: For nearly 100 years this building was used as the Doncaster Road Congregational Church. The church resulted from a breakaway in 1865 of part of the congregation of the Masbrough Independent Chapel. The new church was opened in April Designed in the Gothic style, with spire, it was capable of accommodating 900 persons. It had 'commodious' school premises and church parlour adjoining. In 1910 extensive repairs and alterations were carried out, including the erection of three buttresses in the south side of the church. The closing of the Regent Theatre in 1957 temporarily ended the last centre for live theatre in Rotherham. In the same year the Rotherham Education Committee bought the Church for conversion into a theatre. The theatre was intended to serve the varying needs of Professional and Amateur companies, school drama, the production of plays, opera and ballet, for musical recitals and general meetings. Because of the limited funds it was decided in principle that no new buildings would be erected, but that all accommodation should be contained within the existing shell of the church. By this means it was possible to spend more on internal structural improvements and increase the standards of theatrical equipment. The conversion, which created a 378 seat auditorium, was designed by Hadfield, Cawkwell and Davidson, architects, of Sheffield. On the 7 th March 1960 the building was officially opened by Sir Lewis Casson as the Rotherham Civic Theatre. During 1992 and 1993 the theatre was refurbished and extended at a cost of 500,000. Further improvements have been made in recent years. The Civic Society is of the opinion that both the Civic Theatre and the former schoolroom building facing on to Catherine Street should be included on the Local List.

11 11 Effingham Street: The Effingham Arms, Effingham Street: Recognised as an Unlisted Building of Significance in the RTCM Plan. Rotherham experienced significant growth in the early 19 th century in response to the expansion of local industry. However, development to the east of Howard Street was restricted by a legal limitation placed on the landowner, the Earl of Effingham. In 1850, however, the Earl obtained a private Act of Parliament enabling him to break an entail in a family settlement that prevented him from granting leases for more than twenty one years. The Earl began to develop his land laying out Effingham Street. Frederick Street etc and leasing plots for building. Between 1851 and 1853 the Rotherham Savings Bank, a Wesleyan Reform Chapel, Police Station, and Mechanics Institute were built and formed what eventually became the key constituents of the former Rotherham Town Hall complex in Howard Street. In 1858 Benjamin Howcroft applied for a victuallers licence in respect of a new beerhouse, the Effingham Arms, erected nearby at the junction of Effingham Street and Frederick Street. In 1887 the space between the Effingham Arms and the Mechanics Institute was filled by the construction of the new School of Art and Science thus completing the 'Town Hall triangle'. In 1991 the stonework of the Effingham Arms was sandblasted, and in 1998 the public house was extended into the adjoining shop at 29 Frederick Street. The building, although not being of outstanding architectural merit, does form part of a distinctive and cohesive group of buildings. Its importance was clearly recognised by the proposal in the RTCM Plan to include it, along with the adjoining Listed 'Town Hall Block', in an extension of the Town Centre Conservation Area.

12 12 Greasbrough Road: The Bridge Inn: This is described in the RTCM Plan as a prominent neo-jacobean building, providing part of the setting for the medieval bridge and bridge chapel. Completed in March 1932, a contemporary newspaper report states the following: 'Erected on behalf of Messrs Mappins Masbro Old Brewery, to first class and comprehensive plans executed by Messrs James E. Knight and Co. (under the personal supervision of Mr J. Ackroyd) the well known architects...this picturesquely situated and imposing hotel on the bank of the River Don is an outstanding addition to the many fine buildings in the County Borough and amenities of the district. The building is Matlock Stone faced and tiled roofed. When the Chantry Bridge was re-built a reinforced concrete wall was erected on the side of the river, and this together with a piled foundation on a reinforced concrete raft, form the foundation of the super structure.' High Street: 2-6 High Street: This is described as a prominent corner building in a modern classical style with giant decorative pilasters framing large windows at first and second floor levels. No.2 High Street had been purchased by Montague Burton Ltd in 1926 with a view to expanding its presence in Rotherham. Following discussions with the Rotherham Corporation it became apparent that, due to the highway authority's plans to ease the College Street / High Street corner, Nos. 4 & 6 would need to be acquired in order to provide a site of sufficient size for Burton's new premises.

13 13 Finally, in December 1929 the company's proposals for the new store were approved and the old property was demolished. The new building, designed by Harry Wilson, Architect, of Roundhay in Leeds was completed in High Street: A brick building with remnant of half timbered turret. This property, formerly occupied by William May, a haberdasher, was acquired and rebuilt by Frederick Mason a local chemist. The new building probably dates from late 1881 / early 1882 for at the 23 rd March 1881 meeting of the Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham it was minuted: 'Request to Feoffees to assist by a grace of money or otherwise in having the entrance to the churchyard widened as Mr F. Mason is about to pull down and rebuild premises now occupied by Mr William May. If Vicar and Churchwardens prepare a practical scheme for purchasing a strip of ground from Mr Mason or widening the entrance the Feoffees will consider whether or not they can contribute towards the cost.'

14 14 The external features of the building including the turret were of course recently restored as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative High Street: A brick building with curved corner, prominent gables, and remnant of half timbered turret. The significance of this building is possibly acknowledged by the fact that it appears on the front cover of RMBC's Conservation Management Plan. From at least 1845 Richard Brooke ran his watch, jewellery and ironmongery business from here. In 1883 Nos. 34 and 36 High Street were rebuilt ready for the new owner, John Mason, a jeweller. In the 'Reminiscences of Alderman George Gummer' it is recalled that: 'Crossing Church Street and opposite Henry Wigfields we come to what is known as Mason's Corner. These premises were low and old-fashioned and in the occupation of Richard Brooke, a jeweller and ironmonger. Years after the period to which I refer John Mason bought these premises and erected a house and shop, which I have heard described as one of the finest jewellers' shops in the North of England'. The Rotherham Advertiser reported on the 4 April 2003: 'One of Rotherham town centre's oldest buildings has revealed its historical past. Architectural treasures have been uncovered at the former John Mason jeweller's shop on High Street since it was taken over by Hamby's shoe store. In the cellars of the building which could date back as far as 1774 old furniture and a cooking range were discovered. The features could reveal medieval origins when a house would have been on the site in the Middle Ages. Fireplaces and other features date back to around the 1880s when it was rebuilt by jeweller John Mason after he bought it'

15 15 'The features have been unearthed as Hamby's took care to retain the character of the building during conversion work. "It's Georgian to the rear, with a Victorian frontage and it is a lovely, attractive old building which boasts some fine architecture," said joint proprietor Chris Hamby. "It's a very interesting and we will be keeping it in the same sort of style".' True to his word Chris Hamby has, with the financial assistance of RMBC and the Townscape Heritage Initiative, fully restored the exterior of this impressive building. In the Society's view the 'listing description' of this building should make explicit reference to the Clock attached to the High Street elevation to the property. The Clock has been an important feature of the Rotherham street scene since shortly after the end of the First World War, having previously served its time outside the Fleet Street, London offices of the 'Daily Express'. 7-9A High Street: Recognised in the RTCM Plan as an Unlisted Building of Significance, and described as a stone fronted 3 storey 19 th century building. Old Bank Buildings were built on the site of the old Sheffield and Rotherham Bank which was demolished in July Trade Directories indicate that the shops and offices above were occupied from 1898.

16 16 Essoldo Chambers / Pop Nightclub: In 1911 the High Street properties between the Crown Hotel and Talbot Lane (Ship Hill) were acquired and demolished by the Rotherharn Corporation in order to enable an improvement of the junction with Talbot Lane and provide space for a passing loop on the tram track. The land remaining after road works was sold by public auction and in March 1913 the Corporation gave approval to the construction of the Empire Theatre on the land. The building, containing not just the Theatre but three lock up shops and a suite of offices, was designed by Chadwick & Watson, Architects, of Leeds. It was built by George Longden & Son of Sheffield and was opened for business in December Converted to a cinema in 1921 it was operated by various cinema chains such as Essoldo, Classis and Cannon before finally closing in March Although attracting the attention of the Theatre Trust the cinema was converted into a nightclub, New York New York, and has undergone several name changes and refurbishments since. The facade of this large neo-classical building was recently cleaned as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative. Karen Wilkes writes: I would like to nominate the building at the top of High Street that used to be the Essoldo Cinema. Although it is in dire need of a good clean, it is a lovely building that is worth preserving.

17 17 Howard Street: The Howard Building: Recognised as an Unlisted Building of Significance in the RTCM Plan, the building was officially opened on the 29 th September 1931, as the new College of Arts and Technology by Rt Hon Lord Aberconway, P.C., K.C. Built at a cost of 87,000, of which 9,000 was contributed by the Miners Welfare Committee, it was designed by Messrs Scott & Sons of Norwich. Although built primarily of red brick it incorporates probably the most extensive use of Portland Stone of any building in the Town Centre. Main Street: Former Post Office Main Street / Market Street: Recognised as an important corner building in the RTCM Plan this building was completed and opened in March It was designed by Mr W. Pott, ARIBA, of His Majesty's Office of Works. A contemporary newspaper report states that: 'On average the site is 24 feet below the street level and this necessitated a large amount of building work in the basement, materially affecting the amount that could be spent on the remaining part of the structure. To the practised eye the building may appear somewhat stunted in height, but the explanation is that it is left so that when necessary another storey may be added. The outward appearance of the new Post Office need not be described except to point out some exquisite stone carving on pediments over the two principal entrances, hi both instances there is a representation of the Royal Arms, with appropriate scroll work. The arms of the Borough of Rotherham also find a place in the decorative carving, each of the four quarters being shown on separate pilasters along the front.'

18 18 Moorgate Street / The Crofts / Downs Row: The Cross Keys P.H: This building was commissioned by Messrs Mappins Brewery Ltd to replace a public house directly opposite which was demolished to allow major road widening to take place. Opened in February 1931, the building was designed by Messrs James E. Knight and Co, Architects, the completion of the building being supervised by Mr J. E. Ackroyd following the death of Col. J. E. Knight. As noted in the RTCM Plan the Cross Keys forms part of an important grouping of Unlisted Buildings of Significance including Moorgate Street and No. 33 High Street which are described as a range of brick buildings with prominent gables and dormers. Ivy Cottage, 16,The Crofts: The description in the RTCM Plan of this as a simple 17 th century house with later alterations masks its true importance to the town. This cottage was built in 1634 as the town Workhouse. At that time the poor were helped by a mixture of outdoor and indoor relief. If they were in need of small grants or clothing, they could receive that as outdoor relief and remain hi their homes; if their circumstances were more severe, or they were homeless, they had to move to the workhouse to receive indoor relief and do work to try to improve their situation. The workhouse could accommodate just over twenty people. At the time to which I refer the Rotherham Union Workhouse comprised the buildings now in the occupation of Mr Joseph Blackamoor, and three adjoining cottages at the top of Three Cranes Yard and facing towards the Feoffees' school. Mrs Harrison was the mistress, and Mr Ralph Linfieldwas the master. (John H. Mycock, April 16 th 1890) The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 changed all of that; gone was outdoor relief and whole families were moved to the workhouse if they were too poor to continue to live without support. Rotherham was

19 19 compelled to build a huge new workhouse for as many as three hundred people and this building was put up for sale in April 1839 and soon after its furniture was sold at auction. Ivy Cottage was listed Grade II in 1950 because 'at that time a reasonable amount of its original seventeenth century structure probably survived'. However, an inspection carried out in October 1989 revealed that 'the building has suffered extensive and damaging modern alterations' (Letter 21/11/1989 from Lord Hesketh to Stan Crowther M.P.). Consequently it was felt to no longer fulfil the listing criteria and was removed from the Statutory List. The Rotherham District Civic Society is firmly of the view, however, that the historic importance of this site in the town's development merits the inclusion of this building on the Local List. The High House Public House, 21 Moorgate Street: Recognised in the RTCM Plan as an Unlisted Building of Significance. According to Miss Dorothy Greene, the noted local historian writing in 1958, the High House was once a school for young gentlemen. Unfortunately it has not been possible to verify this from Trade Directories etc. These sources do however confirm that from 1856 onwards the High House was licensed as an Inn the first licensee being Charles Dobb who also traded as a stone mason / builder. Jamia Masjid Ahl - E - Iladith Moorgate A - H Community Centre: Built as The Church of Our Father to replace the Downs Row Chapel this building was designed by Messrs Flocton and Gibbs of Sheffield and the foundation stone was laid on 1st May 1878 by John Hobson Esq, chairman of the trustees. The builders were Messrs Chadwick & Co of Masbrough. Just less than half the cost was provided by other Unitarian congregations throughout the country, responding to the Rev W. Blazeby's appeal for assistance, with the remainder being raised by the congregation holding Bazaars etc and donations from friends and from the British and Foreign Unitarian Association.

20 20 The congregation moved from the Downs Row Chapel to the new church in February The Church was closed at Christmas 1986 and was sold for 32,000. In 1987 it re-opened as a Mosque and a spokesmen for the former owners, the Hollis Trust, was quoted in the Rotherham Advertiser on 22 nd May 1987 as stating we are pleased that the building will continue to be used as a place of worship instead of being knocked down or converted. Downs Row Chapel: This building is of significant historic importance in the development of the town. When the Act of Uniformity came into force on the 24 th August 1662 at least two thousand Ministers of the Church of England felt they could not conform to the conditions prescribed in the Act without violating their consciences. In an attempt to more effectively crush the Nonconformists the Conventicle Act of 1664 introduced jail terms for those present at religious meetings held not in accordance with the practice of the Church of England, and the Five Mile Act of 1666 prohibited the ejected clergy coming within five miles of the churches where they formerly preached. A number of the principal families of the district, such as the Westby's at Ravenfield, and the Staniforth's at Firbeck, who were also supporters of Parliament in the Civil War, supported local vicars that had been ejected from the Church of England. Rotherham became a prominent Nonconformist Centre and at first these Nonconformists met for a week day lecture in a first floor room in Ratten Row (Church Street) before moving to a larger building in Millgate. In 1672 Charles 11 issued a 'Declaration of Indulgence' suspending the penal laws against the Nonconformists. The Meeting House in Downs Row was erected by a charitable trust established by Thomas Hollis, a wealthy London merchant, and a native of Rotherham, in It thus became the first nonconformist chapel in the town. The chapel was almost entirely rebuilt in Little more than thirty years later it was decided that a much larger building was needed and land was purchased in nearby Moorgate Street upon which the Church of Our Father was built. On Sunday 15 th February 1880 the Farewell Service at the old Downs Row Chapel was held. The old chapel remained in use as the Church Of Our Father schoolroom.

21 21 Wellgate: 5/7 Wellgate: A simple stone building of the nineteenth century. This is thought to be the site of the first Rotherham Public Dispensary which started its work in 1806 in response to the rising number of accidents resulting from the rapid growth in industry and population in the town. On May 24 th 1806 it was recorded at a meeting of the Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham that: 'This Meeting much approving of the establishing a Dispensary in the Town. Resolve: That the House belonging to the Feoffees situate in Wellgate and now occupied by Mr Geo Travis be let to be used as a Dispensary at 10 a year, and subscribe 20 to be paid immediately, and also 20 as an Annual Subscription.' The Dispensary was established as a charity, to 'provide medical aid and advice, particularly treatment of accidents in Rotherham and Masbrough townships up to one mile from the Parish Church, including the Holmes'. The premises were eventually found to be inadequate and in 1828 a new Dispensary was built by the Feoffees on the site now occupied by the fountain in All Saints Square. The old Wellgate property was then rented out as two shop units before being sold by the Feoffees at Public Auction in In 1929 the Sheffield Savings Bank took over No.5, later expanding into No.7 before finally erecting a new Trustees Savings Bank in 1965 on the adjoining site. 5 & 7 Wellgate then had a number of occupants before finally being converted into an amusement arcade. Masonic Hall, Wellgate: Built in 1893 to replace the Primitive Methodist Chapel alongside it was described by Nikolaus Pevsner as being built of 'Blatant red brick'. Margaret Jackson suggests in her recently published book that the Chapel was purchased in December 1951 by the Rotherham Corporation. This purchase may have been in pursuance of the Corporation's ill fated Wellgate road widening scheme which resulted in a number of properties lower down Wellgate being purchased and demolished the cleared sites subsequently being used as surface car parks.

22 22 This has not been researched in detail. What is known is that the Chapel was subsequently sold to the local Masonic Lodges and the building was dedicated as a Masonic Temple in February Pevsner refers to the building having an asymmetrical angle - turret... with... an octagonal top with an ogee cap...andpinnacles belov/. This impressive structure was removed sometime after his original survey was published in The Temperance Hall, Wellgate: A simple classical building, constructed as a Methodist Chapel in Described as follows by Nikolaus Pevsner 'To its r.., now the Temperance Hall, the former Methodist Chapel of The contrast between the simplicity of this and the elaboration of its successor of 1893 is illuminating'. Following the construction of the new Primitive Methodist Chapel the original chapel was sold in 1895 to the Rotherham Temperance Society and re-opened as the Temperance Hall in In recent decades the building has accommodated a variety of commercial and retail uses.

23 23 81 / 81A Wellgate: Simple nineteenth century houses. These buildings, together with the adjoining 1-6 Wellgate Terrace, and the statutorily listed Lamp Standard, form an important grouping which may merit further detailed research and enhanced protection over and above Conservation Area designation. Sherwood Crescent: Sherwood House: Formerly known as South Villa, this and the adjoining Sherwood Crescent were built on a parcel of land known variously as Russell Croft and Wellgate Croft and owned by the Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham since the 16 th Century. Trade Directories and Census Returns record that John Bland, High Constable, leased South Villa no later than 1837 and that by 1861 George Haywood, iron founder, occupied the property. Lydia Boulton ran a girls school here in the 1880s. In 1898 the Feoffees agreed to lease South Villa and the adjoining land to Charles Green and George Firth for 999 years for the purpose of laying out the land for new housing. Sherwood Crescent and the shops fronting Wellgate were then erected in the period Despite extensive research it has not been possible to identify the designer of South Villa nor its date of construction. Nonetheless the Society considers that the building is of significant local importance and is concerned about its future.

24 24 Westgate: Masbrough Equitable Pioneers Society Building, Westgate / Domine Lane: In 1900 the Society acquired 5, 7 & 7A Westgate which had from at least 1887 been occupied by Myers and Kay's Rotherham and West Riding Supply Stores. When 1-3 Westgate was acquired in 1904 by Rotherham Corporation and demolished to facilitate the future construction of Corporation Street, and the easing of the road junction, the Society acquired the residual land and erected the impressive new building on the corner of Domine Lane and Westgate. Designed by Mr J. Platts of Rotherham the building was completed and opened in April A contemporary newspaper report states: 'The elevations are freely treated, the upper storey to harmonise with the adjoining building, and are of Stoke Hall stone, broken up by pilasters, cornices etc and finished with open moulded parapets, also pediment at the corner. The stall boards and pilasters to the shops are of Labrador polished granite. The roofs are covered with green Westmoreland slates.' In subsequent years the Westgate premises were significantly expanded by the acquisition of No.9 Westgate and the adjoining properties on Main Street and Domine Lane. In May 1982 Co-operative Retail Services Ltd closed the entire premises and the property was leased to Yorkshire Metropolitan Properties Ltd which, with the aid of a S.I 37 grant from RMBC, refurbished the building complex to create the Westgate Centre. The Rotherham District Civic Society regard the retention of this important corner building and the adjoining Listed Building as being of critical importance in Rotherham Town Centre maintaining its distinct identity.

25 25 The Alma Tavern, 27 Westgate: Noted as an Unlisted Building of Significance in the RTCM Plan this public house was rebuilt in 1909 to the designs of Stubbs and Brown, Architects, of Sheffield. The public house closed in 2005 and has fallen into disrepair due to the neglect of its present owner, Satnam Developments Ltd. Nonetheless it forms an important grouping of public houses with the statutorily listed Cutlers Arms adjoining and the former Wellington Public House opposite, and is noteworthy for the use of architectural lettering and the reference to 'Bentleys Rotherham Ales' on the facade. The Get Sorted Music Academy, 50 Westgate: This substantial three storey former public house is recognised in the RTCM Plan as having notable group value with the listed Cutler's Arms. It is yet another instance of the early 20 th century rebuilding work required as a consequence of the Rotherham Corporation's street widening plans for the main approaches to Rotherham Town Centre. The rebuilding of what was at that time the Wellington Inn was commissioned by Bentley's Rotherham Old Brewery to the designs of G. A. Wilson, Architect, of Sheffield. The public house opened for business in Following its closure in 2005 it became the new home of the Get Sorted Music Academy. The Rotherham District Civic Society is aware that Westgate formed a key area within the Design Code for the River Corridor submitted to and approved by RMBC some years ago. In July 2015 the Society highlighted, in Briefing Notes submitted to Ms. Julie Kenny, RMBC Commissioner, what it believed to be the significant future potential of Westgate as an 'opportunity area' for the development of the creative industries. The

26 26 Society believes that the present activities at the Get Sorted Music Academy, the Cutler's Arms, and the Westgate Chambers, provide the initial foundations for such development and should be further encouraged by the pursuance of appropriate planning policies for this area. An essential component of this would be the recognition that these buildings, together with the Alma Tavern, form the key design reference points around which any future redevelopment of this area will be based. Rotherham Urban Area: Broom / Herringthorpe: The Homestead P.H., Wickersley Road : Broomfield Cottages, off Broom Crescent: Until the 20 th Century the land lying between Wellgate and East Bawtry Road was, with the exception of a few large Victorian residences, a wide expanse of arable fields and pasture land. Broom Valley and much of the land between Wickersley Road and Broom Lane were, through the Enclosure Award of 1764 and 19 th Century acquisition, part of a major farming enterprise owned by John Boomer and his ancestors, and based at Broom House (now the site of Broom Court Flats). As the business continued to develop small parcels of land which had previously been rented were given up and the land between Broom House and The Stag was acquired. By the time that John Boomer, the Elder, died in 1856 his son John had become a tenant farmer in Edlmgton, with Broom House and the Broom Valley lands, and Broom Farm and the land to The Stag, being rented off as two separate farming units. It is thought that the present 'Homestead' is a replacement for an earlier structure for there is no unambiguous listing of Broom Farm House until the 1871 Trade Directories and Census Returns. What is known is that in 1904, following John Boomer's death, Broom House and 8 acres of what is now Herringthorpe Playing Fields was sold to Samuel Leedham who shortly afterwards doubled the size of the Farm House.

27 27 At the same time the vast majority of the Boomer lands were sold to Messrs John Brown and Company who wished to acquire the mineral rights to the land for the benefit of their Rotherham Main Colliery. The company had no interest in farming and within a few short years had sold the land to residential developers eventually leading to the need for new public house accommodation. Broom Farm House was converted into the Homestead P.H. in Little is known in detail about Broomfield Cottages other than the occupants registered at Census time. This is part of the Boomer family's original land holding and it is possible that the cottages may have been associated with 'Jacky' Boomer's quarry adjoining from which it is recorded that the stone for the Old Town Hall was quarried. Herringthorpe Hall Park Gates, Wickersley Road: 3, 5 & 7 Wickersley Road: Rose Cottage, Browning Road: Herrmgthorpe Hall Farm Cottages, Herringthorpe Valley Road: These buildings and structures are the last remaining physical evidence of Herringthorpe Park and the historic farming hamlet of Herringthorpe. Herringthorpe Park was formed by combining two fields totalling 26 acres which were then enclosed by a stone boundary wall. The entrance and the Herringthorpe Park gate piers can still be seen as can the remains of the Park boundary wall. Adjoining the entrance William Jubb built Park View Cottages in 1898 now numbered 3, 5, & 7 Wickersley Road.

28 28 Herringthorpe Hall together with 145 acres, including the Park, was acquired by the Rotherham Corporation in 1930 with the intention of not only replicating its success in the development of the East Dene Council Estate, but also bringing into effect the proposal contained in W. R. Davidge's 'Rotherham Regional Planning Scheme' of 1925 for a 'parkway and ring road one hundred feet wide'. The construction of the new parkway, i.e. Herringthorpe Valley Road, effectively destroyed the hamlet of Herringthorpe involving as it did the demolition of Jubbs Farm and a substantial lowering of the ground level at the north end of the hamlet. Rose Cottage survived because it lay just to the west of the new road cutting.

29 29 The old masonry from the demolished houses and farm buildings was used as boundary walling along the new road which was opened in The new Herringthorpe Council Estate was largely completed the following year. Old Hall Farm was demolished and replaced by St Bernards School in The statutorily listed Herringthorpe Hall and Stables was retained in Council ownership but, in common with so much of the town's built heritage that it acquired during the 20th century, was finally bulldozed in The Stag Inn, 111 Wickersley Road: Originally called the Stags Head Inn it dates back to about It was at the centre of a small farming enterprise of seven fields totalling thirty five acres. At the time of enclosure in 1816 the fields were owned by Edward Skelton and leased by Thomas Pearson. Between 1840 and 1842 at least three coal pits of between fifty eight yards and sixty six yards deep were sunk in these fields. In June 1924, most of the land and the Stag Inn were sold to Mappins Brewery of Masbrough. As well as the Inn, this entailed barns, stables, cow house, cattle sheds and outbuildings and six closes known as the Great Bank, Little Bank, Lane Head Close, Royal Oak Close and the Stoop Field, totalling thirty three acres. Mappins rebuilt the Stag Inn in 1934, to the designs of James E. Knight and Co. Most of the work was done by Cox and Lorriman of Rotherham who had the difficult task of having "to almost completely demolish the old building -while the new one has been erected over and around it". The Home Guard had a base at the rear of the Stag Inn during the Second World War, and this can be quite clearly seen in the photograph above. Clifton / East Dene: The Bandstand, Clifton Park: The following historical notes are summarised from Elaine Humphries' new book 'Clifton Park: The Jewel in Rotherham's Crown '.

30 30 The first Bandstand which was manufactured in cast iron was opened in The iron superstructure of this Bandstand was removed and re-erected in Ferham Park in A World War I tank, which had been presented in recognition of the town's contribution to the War effort, was then installed on the base of the old Bandstand and enclosed by railings. The tank was broken up for scrap in 'The present day Bandstand was built George Saul and Sons Limited, at a cost of 1,660 and opened 26 May, 1928 by the Mayor, Alderman W. Brooke. It was an impressive sight; the pillars supported a copper dome, curved sliding doors offered protection against the wind, surrounded by a rockery and seating. The public paid to use a seat in the enclosed area, or sat around on the hillside listening to the bands...eventually the sliding doors were removed.' In 1991, it was refurbished to mark the park's centenary and further more extensive renovation work was carried out in 2009 as part of the comprehensive restoration of Clifton Park funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and RMBC. Beeversleigh Flats, Clifton Lane: In 1966, Rotherham Corporation bought a substantial property known as 'Clifton' and, shortly afterwards, announced plans to build the town's first 'tall block of flats' on the site overlooking Clifton Park. The twelve storey hexagonal block with twenty four one bed roomed and twenty four two bed roomed flats was designed by Mr Maurice Dakin of Messrs Gillinson, Barnett and Partners, Leeds. It was officially opened in January 1971 by the Chairman of the Housing Committee, Alderman Beevers, after whom the block was named. Symbolically, this important new landmark was opened at the beginning of the Centenary Year of the former County Borough Council, at a time of enormous progress in the planning and renewal of the town.

31 31 Although not unique, the hexagonal design and the concrete outer frame distinguish the building from the thousands of grim tower blocks erected by industrialised building methods during the nineteen sixties and seventies. During the last two decades, hundreds of these tower blocks have been demolished throughout the country, at great expense to the public purse. Beeversleigh, however, remains as a testament to the vision of the former authority's Councillors and the skill of its architectural advisers. Whilst much has been achieved in the past three decades, in the face of extreme economic adversity, it is perhaps significant that Beeversleigh's positive contribution to the urban landscape has rarely been replicated elsewhere in the town. The flats are now as identifiable with Rotherham as Park Hill Flats are with Sheffield and, arguably therefore, should be considered for the same degree of listed building protection. East Dene Primary School, Doncaster Road: Built as the Doncaster Road Board School a summary of its origins is contained in the following report by W. H. Corbridge, Clerk to the Rotherham United School Board, contained in the Rotherham Advertiser of 29 th September 'In the spring of 1898 the Board invited competitive plans for two new schools on Doncaster Road and Park Street. Plans prepared and submitted by Mr J. E. Knight, architect, were selected by the Board and approved by the Education Department; the buildings were commenced early in The contract of Mr Richard Snell was accepted for Doncaster Road for 10,557...' 'The site was purchased from the Earl of Effingham and contains 1 acre 2 roods. The buildings are one storeyed, and are arranged so as to allow for them and the playground the sunniest aspect, room being left for future extensions...externally the buildings are of Dunford Bridge rock - faced wall stone, with Grenoside stone dressings, and have green Westmoreland slated roofs. The style employed is English renaissance simply treated.' Further additions to the buildings were made in 1907 in accordance with James E. Knight's designs.

32 32 Clifton Comprehensive, Middle Lane: The High School for Girls was formerly located in Alma Road with a temporary annexe nearby at South Grove. In 1910 it was transferred to a new building on Middle Lane designed by Messrs Holdgate and Harrison, Architects, of London. The opening ceremony was performed on May 6 th of that year by Prof. M. E. Sadler, Vice Chancellor of Leeds University. Eastwood / St Anns: Bailey Bridge, north of Eldon Road: In February 2016 the Rotherham District Civic Society unveiled a Blue Plaque at the Thomas Rotherham College in memory of Sir Donald Coleman Bailey, O.B.E. Born in Albany Street, Rotherham in 1901, and a pupil at the Rotherham Grammar School, Sir Donald was responsible for the invention of the Bailey Bridge which was so vital to the success of the Allied Forces in World War II. Whilst employed to great effect in Europe and around the World, the Bailey Bridge at Eastwood is one of the few surviving examples of the design remaining in South Yorkshire. It was acquired from Army stocks at a cost of 300 and erected in 1947 with Rawmarsh Urban District Council and Rotherham Corporation sharing the cost. It was totally refurbished and rebuilt in 1992 by RMBC and the Territorial Army. The Rotherham District Civic Society is of the opinion that its long term retention, by inclusion in the Local List, not only represents a fitting memorial to the engineering genius of a 'famous Rotherham son' but also provides a testament to the skills of local firms, the Parkgate Iron & Steel Company and Robert Jenkins Ltd, which were involved in the manufacture of Bailey Bridge components throughout the War.

33 33 Unity Centre, St Ann's Road / St Leonard's Road: Built as the St Ann's Road Board School a summary of its origins is contained in the following report contained in the Rotherham Advertiser of 2 nd October 'On Thursday the boys' department of a new board school situate in St Ann's Road, Rotherham was formally opened...the boys' department now completed is situated at the corner of St Ann's Road and St Leonard's Road and gives accommodation for 244 children. The entrance is at the corner and is surmounted by a well proportioned bell turret carried to a height of 45 feet. The school is built of rock faced stone and ashlar dressings and is surrounded by a stone boundary wall and iron palisading. The general design is in the modern classical style of architecture. Similarly arranged departments are in the course of erection for girls and infants and when completed the buildings generally will have a handsome appearance and introduce some bold detail. The contractor is Mr Richard Snell of Rotherham and the architect to the Board is Mr H. L. Tacon of Rotherham under whose superintendence the work is being carried out.' Not long after the girls and infant departments were completed to provide a total accommodation for 761 children. The original 'boys' department' became the St Leonard's annexe of the Rotherham College of Arts and Technology in late The former girls department and infants department building was converted into the Unity Centre in early 2000, and is now one of the very few examples of the School Board's work left standing. In the Rotherham District Civic Society's view these are important examples of the work of local architects such as Henry Louis Tacon, James E. Knight and Joseph Platts. These buildings also complement and are material to the setting of the Grade II Listed Church of St Stephen.

34 34 J. E. James Cycles, Erskine Road: Until 1992 this building was the town's main Fire Station. On the 27 th April 1939 the new fire station at Erskine Road was officially opened just months before the outbreak of the Second World War. It provided a base for four motor pumps and up to eight ambulances, and also for RSPCA Kennels for stray cats and dogs. New houses were built on the opposite side of Erskine Road to house the firemen. The station, ultra modern in design, cost 40,000 to construct and equip. In August 1941 the Fire Station became Headquarters of "D" Division in the newly formed National Fire Service, covering an area of approximately two hundred square miles and with upwards of one hundred pumps at its disposal. Crews were sent from Rotherham as far afield as Birmingham, Hull, Manchester and Liverpool. The Fire Brigade recovered its identity and reverted to control by the County Borough Council on the 1 st April The Fire Station was extended in 1970 and lasted for over twenty more years before it was replaced by the new 1 million Eastwood Fire Station in Blenheim House, Doncaster Road: The house, originally called Blenheim Lodge, was built It was designed and first occupied by William Blackmoor, the well-known Rotherham architect. From 1883, it was for many years the home of Sir Charles Stoddart who, by any standards, was one of the most outstanding citizens of Rotherham in the entire history of the town and district. He was born in London in 1839 and started work at the age of 15 in the office of Samuel Beale and Co., the then owners of the Parkgate Ironworks. A youthful Stoddart was already the company secretary when the head office was moved to Rotherham in 1864 and eventually became the chairman and managing director of the company. He served on the Borough Council from and was elected Mayor in 1886 and again in 1904, 1905 and He was a Feoffee, a JP and the first Honorary

35 35 Freeman of the County Borough. In 1902, he presented the civic mace to the Corporation to mark the grant of County Borough status and the accession of King Edward VII Sir Charles was famed throughout the area for his generosity and concern for the underprivileged. At Stephen's Church, Eastwood he paid for the steeple and the bells. The Chapel on the Bridge, which had served as a jail and a tobacconist's shop, was returned to its original purpose as a place of worship when Sir Charles bought the shopkeeper's business and enabled a start to be made on the restoration of the Chapel. He died in May, 1913, and thousands of people turned out for the funeral including workers from Parkgate who lined the route for a quarter of a mile and nearly a thousand men from the 5 th Battalion, the York and Lancaster Regiment. The Rotherham Advertiser reported, "There was never such sorrow for the death of any one man." Blenheim House was purchased by the Rotherham Corporation after the Second World War and eventually became the base for the Council's Youth and Community Service. Eventually it became surplus to the Council's requirements and in May 2005 it was sold at auction to B & M Homes for 370,000. In February 2007 it was badly damaged by a fire started by arsonists. In recent years there have been various plans put forward for its conversion and extension none of which have reached a satisfactory conclusion. Greasbrough: The Feoffees House, Potter Hill, Greasbrough: The Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham acquired Potter Hill Farm as long ago as 1679 to add to the property portfolio they had acquired by Royal Warrant granted by Queen Elizabeth I in August The rental income from this property portfolio enabled the Feoffees 'to make judicious provision for periods of great privation and widespread distress' affecting the town's citizens. Importantly it also allowed the Feoffees to commission, or financially contribute to, the construction of a Town Hall, the Grammar School, the Charity School, the town's first Dispensary, the Market House, Corn Exchange and Butter Market. Additionally the

36 36 Feoffees were responsible for the town's Fire Engine, and its water supply amongst diverse other things. Essentially, for around three centuries the Feoffees played a major role in the management of the town's affairs until first a Local Board of Health and then in 1871 a Municipal Borough Council was established by Royal Charter to assume responsibility for these matters. It is thought that the Potter Hill farmhouse was rebuilt in 1836 although no detailed record of this has been found in the town's Archives. The fields surrounding what is now referred to as the Feoffees House were sold in the mid 1920's to private house builders and the Greasbrough Urban District Council. The Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham is still active as a charitable body. However, the physical evidence of its former importance is limited to the Feoffees House, the former Charity School in the Crofts, the former Grammar School in Lower Moorgate, and Sherwood House, off Wellgate. Masbrough / Thornhill: Stone Crest situated close to the entrance of the Rotherham Central Station: In February 2013 RMBC's RIDO Team provided the following information to the Civic Society: 'This stone crest depicts railway engineer George Stephenson as a cherub, set above a coat of arms which represents the seal of the Sheffield and Rotherham railway company. The devices on the shield refer to Sheffield and Rotherham, on one side the Sheffield Arms showing a sheaf of arrows, and on the other three cannons alluding to the Walker family and Rotherham's iron and steel heritage. The Coat of Arms is dated 4 th July 1836, which is the date when the Sheffield and Rotherham Railway company received the Royal assent.' The stone crest is believed to have been erected at the Rotherham Westgate Station at the time of its opening on the 31 st October 1838.

37 37 The Westgate Station finally closed on the 4 th October 1952, and sometime afterwards the stone crest was moved to Boston Castle. In the year 2000, following increased vandalism in the locality, Councillor Ken Wyatt instigated its removal to the Clifton Park Museum for safe keeping. In 2013 RMBC relocated it onto a new plinth located close to the entrance of the rebuilt Rotherham Central Station. The photograph (below) shows Councillor Wyatt pictured alongside the Stone Crest and a commemorative plaque, when it was unveiled in February The Rotherham District Civic Society, being mindful of the rarity of artefacts connected with the Sheffield and Rotherham Railway are of the opinion that this Crest merits special protection and should be included on the Local List. Rotherham Lock and Footbridge: The Society believe that these structures should be included on the Local List not only because of the important contribution that they make to the environmental character of the 'Rotherham Riverside' but also because they are an important example of the impact on the canal network resulting from the development of the railway system. It is probably not widely known but when first created the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation between Beatson Clark's glassworks and the Holmes followed the route now taken by the railway line from the Rotherham Central Station. In 1846 the South Yorkshire Railway Company had been formed with the express intent of extending the railway system eastwards into the Doncaster coalfield. In its early years it focussed upon this objective and reinforced its position by acquiring the River Don Navigation Company. In May 1864 it merged with the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway and sought to build a line linking Mexborough to Tinsley so placing it in direct competition with the Midland Railway. The consequences of this rivalry are outlined in the following extract from the book by D. L. Franks: Rotherham Central Station was opened on 1st February (A temporary station had been used as from 3rd April 1871). To make this opening possible a -way had to be made under the Midland Company's Rotherham West gate Branch. The Midland would not allow a

38 38 bridging under so the existing canal bridge was used. The canal was diverted into the river and the bed of the canal made up to about half its depth. This was done by loading old barges with stones, taken to the required position and sunk. The formation of the permanent-way came to some three feet below tow-path level, or, to get another angle on the matter the old tow-path and the new platforms were at the same level. The Tinsley to Rotherham and Rotherham to Mexborough sections of the railway were opened in 1868 and 1871 respectively. It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that the diversion of the canal back into the river, and the consequent construction of the Rotherham Lock / Footbridge date from the mid 1860's. Quay Furniture, Bridge Street: These two buildings are what remain of the Bridge Street Warehouse of the former River Don Navigation Company. Comparison between the 1853 & 1888 O.S. maps suggest that the original warehouse might have been rebuilt as a consequence of the construction of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway line referred to above. In 1961 the British Transport Commission built the Don Street Depot at the new head of commercial navigation and Bridge Street became surplus to operational requirements. In 1971 the site was reduced in size due to the construction of the Inner Bypass Bridge over the canal and railway. At one point the British Waterways Board actively considered the buildings being converted into a public house before finally leasing / selling them to Quay Furniture.

39 39 The Effingham Works, Thames Street: The Effingham Works, together with the former Don Street foundry of Guest and Chrimes Ltd. are without doubt the most outstanding examples of C 19th industrial architecture remaining in the Borough. The Effingham Works was built in 1856 by James Yates for the manufacture of high quality cast iron work and stove grates. In 1967 the firm of Yates Haywood and Company was taken over by William Heaton and Sons of Millmoor and jointly formed Heatons Hallamshire Ltd. The front elevation of the building was subsequently cleaned and considerable efforts were made to ensure careful restoration of the eastern end following the demolition of a 100' section required for the construction of Centenary Way. In recognition of this transformation the former Rotherham Corporation resolved in October 1972, to take appropriate steps to secure the listing of the building as one of special architectural or historic interest. At this time the following historical and architectural appraisal was submitted by the Borough Planning Officer to the Department of the Environment in support of this request. Historical Notes: The industrial expansion in the early 19th century of certain Iron Works, some established as early as 1746, led to a certain Mr James Yates acquiring in 1838 the lease of land lying north of the glass works and the establishment of the Effingham Works. Those premises became too small and the present building on land in Tenter Meadows was erected about John Guest, in his Historic Notices of Rotherham, states "the present noble range of buildings is no doubt the largest in the trade...' This was written about 1871, published The Works specialised in stoves and grates and ornamental attributes to fire places. In the Great Exhibition of 1851 they displayed many of their wares and I think gained an award. The firm had a large London establishment at Dyer's Wharf, near London Bridge and they exported all over the Empire. Description: The building is of brick with natural stone dressings and features generally of three storeys, with a fourth storey to the centre pavilion. There is a moderately pitched slate roof to the wings with hipped ends and a higher hipped slate roof to the centre pavilion. The links of each wing are the simplest elements; the base (groundfloor) has a moulded stone cap to the plinth, windows separated by brick piers to a near moulded stone string course just below the springings of the segmented arched window heads in brick voussoirs. The base is finished with a plain stone string course. The windows have a slip stone sill between the piers supported by a simple brick dentil headers projecting from the panel below. The main wall above is punctuated by the regular pattern of the over square rectangular windows with the segmented arch heads also in brick voussoirs of first and second floors. This wall is surmounted by a plain fascia course to which is applied the simple rainwater gutter from the roof which has no eaves projection.

40 40 The original end pavilion on the west end of the facade is slightly more elaborate than the links. It has moulded rusticated stone quoins at each flank. The vertical subdivision of the wall is as the links, except that the ground floor windows are not between piers and are simple openings in the lower storey and at the top there is a simple Doric cornice in line with fascia of the links surmounted by single course stone cap, forming a small parapet to the hipped roof above. The central pavilion is the most elaborate. There is an additional attic storey above the general three floors of the building. It is divided horizontally into three with a larger central unit; the ends are flanked by moulded rusticated quoins as are the ends of the building and the parts are divided by wide piers or pillasters also in rusticated moulded stone, except the attic storey which is of brick with stone quoins. On the ground floor the central portion is a Doric portico with two 'Roman Doric columns (with bases) each side of a central opening and flanked by a pair of doors in plain panels between the columns and a pair of quarter pillasters at each end of the central section. Each wing of the centre pavilion has a pair of windows similar to those of the wing pavilions but with full stone surround sill, architrave and segmental arch over. In the centre, the first floor has three windows, the central one being a triple unit of the 'Palladian' configuration but with segmental arched heads as elsewhere and with stone surrounds. The second floor windows are similarly designed but without the stone dressings except for the sill. The attic storey has pairs of segmental arched windows on each flank and the three windows to the centre are not arched, having flat lintols forming a frieze to the cornice above. The end quoins to this storey are stone panels and the main piers of pillasters have consul brackets to the additional attic storey cornice which is similar to the main cornice. The attic storey is surmounted by a central stone panel with round window with moulded stone surround and four keystones. This motif is flanked by stepped capping courses and large horizontal consul brackets and a small cornice cap to the central motif. This was further surmounted originally by a bell; used it is believed to summon the workers to this foundry, but this has been removed some time ago. Architectural Appraisal: This building dating from about 1860 is a large building, the facade being originally some 590ft. long, in the 'classical 1 style. The design of the facade, as originally built, is of a centre 'Pavilion' with links to wing 'Pavilions' at each end not entirely symmetrical about the centre Pavilion the west wing being originally shorter. Recently a considerable part of the east wing has been removed, the land being acquired for the Rotherham Inner By-Pass, and the effect has been to make the building asymmetrical in the 'other hand'. The reconstruction due to this curtailment of the eastern end has been well handled and although the Pavilion terminal at this end has not been reinstated, the detail has been thoughtfully restored in complete sympathy with the original design. The new end is almost indistinguishable from the original which has been cleaned and refenestrated contemporaneously with the alterations. No Architect has been traced as the designer of the building but the designer shows considerable skill and knowledge of classical principles. The details are well related to the parts and elements of the building, as are the elements to the whole, showing an attention to detail not only worthy but with a 'correctness' in the classical sense not

41 41 usually evident in the vernacular. The 'Order is a simplified Doric style with base, wall (or column) and a simple cornice rather than full entablature. Summary The building is a fine example of its period. Although not in detail classically perfect, the classic principles of design clearly followed have produced a building of character which solves the architectural problems of a great length of facade and its subdivision. In particular its imperfect symmetry both of the original and its recent curtailment is skillfully handled such that it does not impair the overall impression it gives. The By Pass works with the flyover bridges to the canal and railway give 'grandstand' views of this prominent building. Additional to its age and historical interest it is felt that it has architectural quality most worthy of listing. Despite the strong case made by the Borough Planning Officer the Department of the Environment judged the building not to be of sufficient quality to merit inclusion in the statutory list. In 1981 the company occupying the Effingham Works relocated to Hellaby, and the building was subdivided with three companies each acquiring approximately one third. In 1985 RMBC, as part of the Masbrough / Thornhill Industrial Improvement Area initiative, persuaded the three companies to jointly commission a major refurbishment of the building. An Urban Programme Grant was given towards reroofmg the building, new rainwater gutters and fallpipes, the renewal of defective brickwork and stonework etc. From the perspective of the Rotherham District Civic Society the importance of this building has increased during the 44 years since it was refused statutory listing not least because of the loss, through redevelopment, of a number of other important 19thC factory sites involved in the stove grate trade. Regrettably, the lack of'listed Status' has resulted in the Local Planning Authority ignoring the important need to have regard to the 'setting' of the building in determining planning applications for adjoining development during the intervening years. The Orient Express Restaurant, Princes Street, Masbrough: This building was formerly the booking hall, waiting rooms and offices of the Masbrough Station. Although first opened in the mid 19 th century by the Midland Railway Company, reference to local newspaper reports suggest that the original station building may have been demolished and replaced in 1895 to provide better accommodation for the public. The station closed to railway passengers in 1988 a year after the opening of the new Rotherham Central Station. At this time Masbrough was part of an Industrial Improvement Area designated by RMBC under the Inner Urban Areas Act. Accordingly, rather than see the building fall into disrepair and dereliction the Council encouraged the

42 42 British Rail Property Board to steam clean, reroof, and renovate the building. Following a grant aided improvement scheme the building was formally re-opened in October 1988 by the Mayor of Rotherham as the Midland Court business units. In 2003 planning permission was granted for the building to be converted into a restaurant. The Former Car House Colliery: Rob Elliott e mailed with the following comments: I have just read an article asking for people's favourite buildings. Mine is the winding house at the Carr House Colliery site. This building is I think one of the last surviving examples of its type still standing. It is in a terrible condition and I worry about its future. I hope it is listed. As you are probably aware there was a disaster at this colliery when eight men drowned hi an inrush of water, what would be better than restoring the building as a memorial to the men that died there! Little is known in detail about this colliery other than that a shaft was sunk to the Barnsley seam as early as The Swallow Wood seam was accessed in 1876 and the Parkgate seam in It appears that there were three mine shafts on the site. It is understood that the colliery closed in For much of the 20 th century the site was occupied by Isaac and Israel Walker Ltd, a firm manufacturing foundry facings, blackings, blacklead etc. Since 1986 it has been used by a road haulage company and currently by a waste management company. The Society supports Rob Elliott s comments about the importance of this building given that it is one of the very few remaining

43 43 physical manifestations of the Borough s important coal mining heritage. The only mining related structures enjoying statutory protection that the Society is aware of are the Pumping House at Westfield Road, Rawmarsh, and the Hood Hill Shaft Mounds, east of Hood Hill Farm, Wentworth which is a scheduled Ancient Monument. Moorgate Area: Whybourne Lodge, Lower Moorgate: This building is of significance to the educational history of the town. In 1855 the Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham concluded that a new Grammar School was needed to replace the existing small town centre premises, and the Lower Moorgate site, which had been given to the Feoffees in the Rotherham Enclosure Award of 1764, was selected. The building, designed it is thought by William Blackmoor, Architect, of Rotherham was opened in 1857 and allowed a significant expansion of the Grammar School. The building was extended in 1874, and by 1884 the Feoffees were actively considering replacing the building with a more substantial structure. However, within a few short years the opportunity arose to purchase the recently erected Rotherham Independent College located off Boston Castle Grove, and in 1890 the Lower Moorgate building was sold and initially converted into two houses before its adaptation to office premises. Although the building has lost some of its original architectural adornments the Civic Society consider its retention to be important both in terms of highlighting the Grammar School's evolution, and the important role played by the Feoffees in the life of the town.

44 44 The Maltings Youth and Community Centre & RCAT Building, Alma Road / Maltkiln Street: It is thought that the land for what was originally the Alma Road Board School was acquired by the Rotherham United School Board in 1894, and that the buildings were opened in Although the plans for the original buildings no longer exist, in 1907 the two storey (Junior School) building was extended and a Caretakers house built nearby based upon the designs of Joseph Platts, Architect. It is reasonable to assume that Mr Platts would have been responsible for the design of the original Victorian building. Over 60% of the Board Schools have been demolished in recent decades as a result of highway improvement schemes or the Private Finance Initiative funded redevelopment of schools. In most cases this has involved the demolition of stone buildings of an individualistic character in an urban area not over endowed with buildings of architectural quality. The Rotherham District Civic Society is of the firm opinion that every effort should be made to protect the few Board Schools that remain and that if proposals are brought forward in the future by RMBC to dispose of the properties a more measured and careful approach should be adopted than that evident in the much criticised Doncaster Gate Hospital affair. Royal Mail Post Box, corner of Alma Road and Moorgate Road: RMBC's Appraisal of the Moorgate Conservation Area, dated 2005, states: 'Moorgate like any residential area has a variety of features and focal points, much of which is street furniture...one of these features that often goes unnoticed is the 'anonymous' post box at the corner of Alma Road and Moorgate. It is anonymous because it has no royal cipher...this was an error of some early cylindrical post boxes when they were introduced in However, by 1887 the error had been rectified and no more were produced.' This post box was therefore identified by the (then) Conservation Officer as a potential candidate for statutory listing.

45 45 In these circumstances the Civic Society is of the opinion that this post box should at the very least be included on the Local List. K6 Telephone Kiosk near the Tesco Express, Belvedere, Moorgate Road: In the year of the Silver Jubilee of King George V a GPO Committee was set up to consider the design of a new kiosk which could be mass produced for sites all over the country, both urban and rural, as part of a campaign to increase the number of public call boxes. In March 1935 Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was asked to design a new cast iron kiosk. Having been approved by the Royal Fine Art Commission the K6 or 'Jubilee' design went into production in 1936, and by 1940 the number of public telephones had almost doubled to 35,000. The K6 became a ubiquitous beacon helped by the decision to standardise design and use 'Post Office red' as a standard colour, easy to spot and giving an authoritative and official character. They became an important part of the local street scene and invaluable to the local communities they served. The K6 remained in production until the 1960's and was not superseded until In 1986 British Telecom announced plans to remove most of the 48,000 red telephone kiosks and replace some with a stainless steel kiosk, hi 1988 amid growing concerns at the speed of removal the Secretary of State for the Environment announced that 1,000 K6 kiosks would be statutorily listed in heritage and conservation areas. In Rotherham it is known that at least 4 kiosks in local villages have been listed Grade II. The Civic Society is aware that, pursuant to the Communications Act 2003, RMBC is formally consulted by British Telecom in relation to the proposed removal of public telephone kiosks and is able to object on the grounds of usage, location in a deprived area etc. The justification for the retention of this particular kiosk, however, relates more to its important contribution to the urban street scene, a fact recognised by it being specifically referred to in RMBC's Moorgate Conservation Area Appraisal. The Society believe that it should be included on the Local List, and that if necessary RMBC should follow the

46 46 example of a number of the Borough's Parish Council's by positively responding to British Telecom's 'Adopt a Kiosk' initiative. Moorgate Cemetery Chapel and Lodges, Boston Castle Grove: In 2002 English Heritage included Moorgate Cemetery on its Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest as a Grade II site. English Heritage state: 'The Register itself entails no additional statutory controls. The historic interest of a park or garden is, however, established as a material planning consideration, and the register provides the key means by which sites of special historic interest can be identified. It draws attention to the fact that the sites included should receive special consideration if changes or proposals for development are being contemplated...local authorities are only required to consult English Heritage over any planning applications they receive which may affect sites graded I or II* on the Register.' When, in October 2010, RMBC's Neighbourhood and Adult Services contacted the Civic Society in connection with the Rotherham Cemetery Chapels Review the documentation provided stated that 'the chapel is a grade two listed building located in a conservation area.' In considering alternative uses the document stated at Option 4 'Demolition cannot be considered as the building is grade 2 listed.'

47 47 The Rotherham District Civic Society wish to clarify whether, given that the building is not separately identified in the Schedule of Listed Buildings (obtained from Historic England's website) inclusion of the Cemetery on the Register of Parks and Gardens explicitly affords statutory protection to the chapel building structure, and indeed to the two entrance Lodges. The history of the cemetery, chapel and entrance lodges is detailed at length in 'Moorgate Cemetery: A Stroll Around Victorian Rotherham' written by Janet Worrall, on behalf of the Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands and Moorgate Cemetery, who outlines a compelling case for their protection. If it proves to be the case that these building structures are currently not statutorily protected the Civic Society wish at an absolute minimum to see their inclusion on the Local List. The Society notes that the Statutory List includes the Grade II listing of gravestones in Aston, Harthill, and Whiston churchyards. In this context the Society would suggest that, on the basis of historic association, the beautiful memorial erected to commemorate the death of four school children from StAnn's junior school should be included on the Local List. The memorial commemorates the tragic events which took place on the 15 th September 1909 when a steam lorry, carrying four tons of bricks from the Midland Iron Company brickworks at Masbrough to a site at Middle Lane, slipped out of gear at the top of St Ann's Road and rolled backwards down the hill. Five school children were crushed against the wall of St Stephen's Church. Two were killed instantly, and two died in hospital the following day. Depending upon the level of protection actually provided by the Cemetery's inclusion on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest the Society would suggest that a detailed assessment is required to identify other important memorials that might need to be included on the Local List.

48 48 Sitwell House, Swinden Technology Centre, Moorgate Road / Beaconsfield Road: Between 1877 and 1880 Thomas Wright Badger, a member of a well known Rotherham family prominent in legal circles, purchased 58 acres of land formerly belonging to the Sitwell Estate. Within this area three substantial residences were built and completed by Red House was built for T. W. Badger himself, Lane End House was built for his brother - in - law Charles E. Rhodes, and Sitwell House was built for Frederick Parker Rhodes, brother of Charles and partner of T. W. Badger in the firm of Badger, Rhodes & Co, Solicitors. In August 1882 the Rotherham Advertiser reported that Badger had fled the country leaving the business in debt. Red House and Sitwell House were immediately put up for sale to discharge the debts. Red House was sold to William Henry Micklethwait, the Rotherham kitchen stove and stove grate manufacturer, and was lived in by the Micklethwait family until the early 1930's. Sitwell House was occupied for a similar length of time by the owner of Holmes Pottery, George Shaw and his family. Both houses became unoccupied for a significant length of time until World War II when Red House was occupied by the National Fire Service and Sitwell House by the Royal Signals Regiment. In 1946 Red House was bought by the United Steel Company as the new site for its Research & Development Department. The building was renovated and new laboratory buildings were erected nearby between 1949 and The property was re-named Swinden House in honour of the research department's former Director who had passed away in Sitwell House, by contrast, had much more mixed fortunes being bought by the National Coal Board in 1947, sold to Rotherham Corporation in 1949, and then sold on to the War Department in Finally in 1952 United Steel purchased Sitwell House from the War Department and the boundary wall was demolished to join Sitwell House to the Red House grounds. When HM Government statutorily listed Swinden / Red House Grade II in the early 1950's Sitwell House was overlooked. It is not known whether this was based upon a qualitative judgement or because at the time of the 'listing' process the building was in Government ownership. Whatever the circumstances this has led to the curious situation that four buildings of similar heritage, Swinden House, the Stable Block, the Lodge, and Sitwell House, are being treated differently in planning terms. The Civic Society understand that the Lodge, along with the gates and walls to the Moorgate Road entrance, are 'listed' by virtue of being curtilage structures to the Listed Swinden House. Sitwell House however, although located physically much closer to thelisted Building is not considered to be a curtilage structure because it was not incorporated into the United Steel Company's site until 1952.

49 49 In the opinion of the Rotherham District Civic Society this is a wholly irrational and untenable proposition. The Society believe that this past bureaucratic misjudgement should urgently be corrected by including Sitwell House on the Local List thereby ensuring a careful consideration of its future in any prospective redevelopment scheme for the Swinden Technology Centre. This photograph of Swinden House is taken from STC Memories, edited by Naomi Whittaker and Nadine Green. A more modern photograph could not be used because an employee of Tata Steel refused entry. Templeborough: The Magna Science Adventure Centre, Sheffield Road, Templeborough: This building, formerly known as Steel Peech and Tozer's Templeborough Melting Shop was erected in direct response to the Ministry of Munitions requirement for a major increase in the production of steel of the right quality to meet the insatiable demand for artillery shells during the First World War. Work began on site in April 1916 and the first cast of steel was tapped on the 12 th July When completed it was the largest melting shop of its type in Europe. The melting shop and its associated bar mills, cogging mills, etc played an essential role in again serving the nation's needs in World War II. Although the output of the Melting Shop had reached l.l m tons, despite the age of the open hearth furnaces, the steel company announced in late 1959 the development of Project SPEAR, the 10m Steel PeechElectric Arc Reorganisation scheme. This involved a progressive replacement (from the Sheffield end) of the existing open hearth furnaces by six new electric arc furnaces which would raise the capacity to 1.35m tons. The last of the new furnaces became operational on 1 st February 1965 and on this date Templeborough Electric Melting Shop became the world's largest electric steelplant, consuming as much electricity as the whole of a medium sized town such as Rochdale.

50 50 Despite the Steelplant's obvious capabilities and productivity, even in relation to German and Japanese competitors in electric steelmaking, its future wellbeing was determined as much as anything by the wider priorities of the now nationalised steel industry, and by HM Government's privatisation of the electricity generating market. Following major rationalisation, which resulted in the transfer of three electric arc furnaces to Aldwarke to take advantage of the more extensive finishing facilities there, the western end of the Melting Shop was demolished. This provided the opportunity, in 1988, for a significant environmental improvement of the site including re-sheeting the remaining buildings and landscaping the vacant land surrounding the Steelplant. This was awarded a substantial Urban Programme Grant by RMBC in recognition of the site's key location at the western approach to both the Templeborough Regeneration Project Area, and the Metropolitan Borough, from the City of Sheffield. The importance of this building structure in shaping the identity of Rotherham remained a key consideration when, in late November 1993 the last cast of steel was produced and the Steelplant closed. The officers of RMBC put forward a vision for the future use of the site which would involve the retention of this Landmark building, assist the diversification of the economy by broadening the town's 'tourism offer', and provide a major educational resource focussed upon the metal industries and engineering. The explicit purpose in developing the facilities in this building focussed upon the unique opportunity it provided for the general public to experience the vast scale involved in 20 th Century steelmaking, given that public access to operational steelworks is severely limited by health and safety considerations. Furthermore, the alternative of demolishing the building and replacing it with 'crinkly tin sheds' of the 'any town, any place' variety was seen as a deeply unattractive proposition. Widespread support was received both regionally and nationally for the Council's proposals. A representative of the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England commented 'I am in no doubt of the significance of the site in the context of the history of modern steel production'. The 20 th Century Society also commented that 'Given the contribution of Britain to the development of steel making technology and the particular importance of the industry in the history of the Sheffield and Rotherham district, the case for your project is extremely strong'. In due course, having twice overcome a rejection by the Millennium Commission, the persistence of RMBC paid off and National Lottery funding was awarded to enable the Magna Science Adventure Centre to be developed. The rest of the story is well known and doesn't need repeating other than to highlight that in October 2001 the transformation of the Building was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects 'Stirling Prize'. In arriving at their decision the Judges commented that 'Photographs cannot convey the feeling of being inside. The drama of being a small person within a vast black space, relieved by gashes of red light, sheets of flame and more spots of white light, has to be experienced. Wilkinson Eyre's great achievement, supported by inspired lighting design, has been to allow the existing building to speak for itself and tell its own history'.

51 51 The Rotherham District Civic Society is strongly of the opinion that the Magna Building meets the listing criteria of historic association, technical innovation and landmark quality, and should be included on the Local List. The Brinsworth Strip Mill, Sheffield Road, Templeborough: Built in 1956 on the opposite side of the road to the Templeborough Melting Shop the new Mills were built to replace an outdated Morgan Mill and so achieve an increase in capacity and extended product range in response to the increase in demand for steel products in the post war era. The plant came into operation on the 10 th June 1957 and has been modernised and upgraded a number of times to meet changing market demands. The modern, clean environmental image required by steelmakers in response to the ever changing market was also reflected externally and in the late 1980 s Brinsworth Strip Mills also took advantage of the RMBC Urban Programme grants available to improve the appearance of the car parking areas on the main road frontage. Much has changed during the ensuing decades and whilst the appearance of the front elevation of this building might have once been replicated in other steel making towns the downsizing of the British steel industry during the last twenty years probably means that this is no longer the case.

52 52 The Civic Society shares the concern, expressed by English Heritage in 2011, at the rate at which England s industrial heritage is being lost. It, therefore, believes that the front elevation of the Mill structure should be locally listed for similar reasons to those used by RMBC to justify the retention of the Templeborough Steelplant building structure. This need not in any way interfere with the continued operation of Brinsworth Strip Mills as a world class production unit. Swinton: Swinton Bridge Workshops, Rowms Lane, Swinton Bridge: The Swinton Heritage Society, in nominating this building stated that: This is a lovely Victorian construction with steeple roof. It is deteriorating and not in great condition. We applied for it to be listed years ago but was told there were plenty of Victorian schools surviving. At the time of the application to English Heritage in October 2001 Councillor Ken Wyattt, spearheading the campaign stated 'while ever it has a worthwhile community function, we'll be looking to preserve it on a long term basis. Swinton people recognise the spire as an unusual landmark that they don't want to lose.' The building was formerly occupied by the Swinton Bridge Junior and Infant School, in anticipation of the closure of the school, on the 31 st August 1981, RMBC obtained planning permission in Spring 1981 for the conversion of the building into light industrial / commercial units. Immediately following its closure the building suffered considerable vandalism particularly to the roof resulting in water penetrating the building structure. In 1982 RMBC approved an Urban Programme Grant of 50% of the cost of converting the building into 12 workshops. This was provided to a newly established organisation called the Yorkshire and Humberside Industrial Association which acquired the building on a long term lease from RMBC.

53 53 In November 1983 the conversion project was awarded a Commendation in the Civic Trust's 1983 Awards Scheme. The Civic Trust stated that 'the conversion of this redundant Victorian School into workshops of varying sizes has ensured a continuing life for a building which is important in this location. The way in which the conversion has been done is particularly appropriate to the form and design of the building and has a considerable and beneficial impact on its surroundings'. For the above reasons it is considered appropriate for this building to be included on the Local List. Don Pottery workshop - the last surviving building belonging to the Don Pottery works sits aside the South Yorkshire Navigation Canal. It is used as a workshop today. The building contains interesting features. The wooden support beams have old carvings of former pottery workers names. Carnegie Library, Station Street. - this fine building should be preserved. It's history with the town is well documented. Cliff field House, Station Street, (now called Swinton Grange Nursing Home) was built by 1864 and used by the town's doctors for over a hundred years. It contains some interesting original features.

54 54 The Masonic Hall, Station Street - this was the original Swinton Board Office and later became the SUDC offices. It remained so for many years until moving to Fitzwilliam Street, whereafter it was acquired by the Masons. Contains some interesting features. Constables Cottage, off church street, rear of Robin Hood Public House.-this old cottage was originally provided for the Parish Constable. It is unique in that it has a heated wall in the garden. This is a wall with a gap between where heat travelled up from a fire at the end of the wall. It aided growing tropical type plants in Victorian times. SunnyMede cottage, Church Street, - this is an interesting old cottage originating we believe from the 1600's. It is in good condition and needs protecting. Remnants of Milton House, Milton Street- in the wall can be seen the window ledges and doorway of what was Milton House. This very prominent house was used by Dr Blythman and others in early Victorian times. We have photographs of the house in situ. Remnants of Swan with two Necks, public house, Fitzwilliam Street, - we have a few photos of this pub in situ. The walls on the right where the doorway and windows were can plainly be seen. We feel this is worthy of a plaque here.

55 55 The misnamed Roman Rigg ( dark ages earth works), this appears at a few sites in the town's curtailage. A particular fine example exists in the garden of the former home of Victor Wadddington. It is also in Creighton Wood. It is the town's oldest structure. The Gate House, Rockingham Pottery site. - there were two and one was demolished. The original hinges of the factory gates can be seen attached to the building. Sisters Lych Gate off Woodman Roundabout. Worth preservrng. Strawberry Cottage, Blackamoor Road the original paint shop for the Rockingham Works. Kilnhurst The Old Vicarage now a private house, it has been modernised but retains a lot of original features; stone flags, servant stairs, beams etc. Built in the 1850s. St Thomas Church- built Worthy of retention. The graveyard also contains interesting monuments.

56 56 The Blunn Brothers Houses - these early prominent Victorian houses were lived in by the Blunn Brothers who operated the Victoria Glass Works. 107 and 109 Victoria Street. Ship Inn Wharfe Way- this pub was built at the time the South Yorkshire Navigation Canal was constructed. A long history and important part of the village fabric. Kilnhurst Old Hall Farm. This hall complex goes back to the 1500's and contains the original crest of arms of the landowners. Many of the original outbuildings and features survive. Acknowledgement: The Rotherham District Civic Society wishes to gratefully acknowledge the assistance it has received from the staff of RMBC's Archive and Local Studies Service in enabling access to be gained to the early 20 th century Building Plans of the Rotherham Corporation. These Building Plans have been essential both to the rough dating of individual buildings and to identifying the Architectural Practices responsible for their design.