Rotherham Locality
Local Villages include
Brampton, Harley, Swinton, Upper Haugh, Wentworth
Droppingwell, Greasbrough, Kimberworth, Masbrough, Thorpe Hesley
Brecks, Hooton Roberts, Herringthorpe, Rawmarsh, Thrybergh
Broom, Clifton, East Dene, Templeborough, Whiston
Bramley, Flanderwell, Hooton Levitt, Maltby, Wickersley
Aston, Brinsworth, Fence, Thurcroft, Ulley
Firbeck, Harthill, Laughton Common, Wales, Woodsetts
Early history
Rodreham 1086 (DB). ‘Homestead or village on the River Rother’. Celtic river-name (meaning ‘chief river’)
Rotherham in the late mediaeval period, while there were Iron Age and Roman settlements in the area now covered by the town, Rotherham itself was not founded until the Early Middle Ages. It soon established itself as a key Saxon market town, lying, as it does, on a Roman road near a forded part of the River Don.
By the late Saxon period, Rotherham was at the centre of a large parish on both sides of the River Don. Following the Norman Conquest, an absentee lord, Nigel Fossard, was put in place. His successors the De Vescis also rarely visited the town and so did not build a castle or contribute to the town's civil life, but did maintain a Friday market and a fair.
In the mid-thirteenth century, John de Vesci and Ralph de Tili gave all their possessions in Rotherham to Rufford Abbey. The monks collected tithes from the town and gained rights to add Monday as an additional market day and to extend the annual fair from two to three days.
The townsmen of Rotherham formed an organisation, the "Greaves of Our Lady's Light", which worked closely with the town's three guilds. This was suppressed in 1547 but revived in 1584 as the Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham, an organisation which remains in existence.
In the 1480s the Rotherham-born Archbishop of York, Thomas Rotherham, instigated the building of a college (The College of Jesus) to rival the colleges of Cambridge and Oxford. This was the first brick building in what is now South Yorkshire and taught theology, singing, grammar and writing.
The College and the stylish new parish church of All Saints made Rotherham an enviable and modern town at the turn of the 16th century. But the college was dissolved in 1547 under the reign of Edward VI, its assets stripped for the crown. Much of the College building remains intact but hidden from view in Rotherham town centre.
By the end of the 16th century, Rotherham had fallen from a fashionable college town to a notorious haven of gambling and vice. Nevertheless, the history of Thomas Rotherham and education in the town continues to be remembered in the name of Thomas Rotherham College.
Attractions
Rotherham boasts a wealth of visitor experiences, mixing history and heritage
with places of interest, all within minutes of each other. There are over 35
attractions, including award winning Magna, from family friendly facilities,
historical buildings to pretty villages.
Culture and Leisure
Rotherham boasts a thriving culture and leisure programme. Learn more about
local history at one of the boroughs museums or for something more action packed
visit one of the areas many sports centres including the brand new Rotherham
Leisure Complex.
Events
At Rotherham we have an action packed events diary throughout the year. There's
something for everyone from monthly farmers markets selling a wide range of
local produce to the Rotherham show. Rotherham also boasts a busy theatre
programme with a wide range of performances.
Retail therapy
Rotherham has a developing, compact town centre as well as lively indoor and
outdoor markets. For large specialist stores visit Rotherham's retail park,
Parkgate. Alternatively Wentworth Village specialises in local produce, crafts
and antiques.
Tourism Service
The Tourism Service offers advice and guidance to existing and potential new
businesses. A Tourism Panel meet every 6 to 8 weeks to discuss the visitor
economy and tourism in Rotherham and the Tourism Forum meets once a year to give
local businesses the chance to meet and share information.
Visitors Centre/Tourist Information Centre
Rotherham Visitor Centre provides a service for both visitors and local people.
Providing information on Rotherham's facilities and tourist attractions. The
Centre has a comprehensive range of guides, brochures and maps as a range of
Rotherham and Yorkshire souvenirs.
Walks
Take advantage of Rotherham's 400kms of public rights of way by enjoying a walk
through the picturesque countryside. If you prefer to take in the local culture
as you walk why not try a heritage trail.
Notable people from Rotherham
The comedian Sandy Powell was born in Rotherham and the town has produced several entertainers who started on the Working men's club scene, such as Duggie Brown, brother of Coronation Street actress Lynne Perrie, Paul Shane and Christopher Wolstenholme of Muse.
Dean Andrews, star of Life On Mars lived in Rotherham and still visits the town on a regular basis.
The artist Margaret Clarkson was born in Rotherham on 18 May 1941. Her Nostalgic art is exhibited throughout UK and abroad, and her illustrations have appeared in publications, such as the autobiography Life in a Liberty Bodice. Random recollections of a Yorkshire childhood.
Rob McVeigh, a contestant on the BBC's 2007 show Any Dream Will Do, hails from Rotherham, as well as Richard Morgan who reached the finals of ITV's Grease is the Word and can now be seen on the local club circuit.
Rotherham is also the hometown of the Chuckle Brothers who are famous for the children's comedy programme Chuckle Vision which has aired for over 20 years on the BBC.
Bring Me The Horizon's video for The Comedown was filmed in Wickersley, Hellaby and Maltby, Rotherham.
The poet and author A. R. Monday was born in Rotherham as was Arsenal and England goalkeeper David Seaman.
Professor John Lee, known for the television shows Anatomy for Beginners and Autopsy: Life and Death is a consultant histopathologist at Rotherham General Hospital.
The TV presenter James May of Top Gear fame moved to Rotherham when he was young and lived in the town for several years.
Former Conservative Party leader William Hague was born and raised in Rotherham; however, he holds his seat in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
