Rotherham in 1833
Manufacturers
In ancient times, Rotherham was famous for its manufacture of edge tools, and there are still iron and steel works on a large scale in its immediate vicinity, especially in its suburbs, Masbro' and the Holmes, both in the township of Kimberworth, in which there were mines of ironstone, two smelting furnaces, and two forges, as early as 1160, but these appear to have been of very small dimensions, compared with the immense Iron Works of Masbro', which were founded by the late Samuel Walker. Along with his brothers, they commenced a Bank in Sheffield and Rotherham, in 1792,, which is still continued, and they now tread chiefly in the flowery paths of commerce, which are more compatible with the life of a country squire, than the plodding industry of their great manufacturing progenitor. After peace had been restored to Europe in 1815, and there was no longer any demand for those military and naval stores, such as cannon, mortars, balls,etc, the Walker's gave up their extensive iron and steel works, (except one smelting furnace which is still at work); and from the immense number of workmen who were thrown out of employment, Rotherham appeared to be doomed to a speedy and ruinous decay; but happily the deserted works were in a few years divided and let off to more humble speculators, and though several of these adventurers have failed, many large portions of the works are still occupied. The manufacture of steel seems to have increased considerably of late years, and indeed, in the production of heavy articles for distant markets, Rotherham, from its being situated on the navigable part of the Don, and nearer to the canals and other navigable streams which open a communication from that river to nearly all the points of the compass, enjoys many advantages over Sheffield, though the extensive iron works lately erected by Messrs. Sanderson and Watson on the confines of Rotherham, but within the parish of Rawmarsh, are now unoccupied. The population of Rotherham and Kimberworth has increased during the last ten years from 7,345 to 8,114 souls, upwards of 6,000 of whom reside in the town and its immediate suburbs.The weekly market
The weekly market which is held on Monday, is extensively supplied with corn and cattle, and on every second Monday there is a fair, or great market, for fat cattle, sheep, and hogs; and this, like the fortnight fairs of Wakefield, which it much resembles, is numerously attended by graziers and butchers from various parts of the country, though it has been much injured by the establishment of similar markets at Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield,the latter of which has not yet arrived at any material consequence, though ample accommodation has been provided by the formation of a new and spacious Market place. Read more »Races
The Races are held here annually, on the Wednesday and Thursday before Doncaster races; a Statutes or hiring for servants on the first Monday in November, and two fairs on Whit Monday and December 1st. In 1801, an act of parliament was obtained for lighting and cleansing the town and for making new market places. Under the powers of this act, the commissioners erected the present Shambles, and the butter and poultry market near the head of Church-street, but the cattle are exposed for sale in the Crofts, on the south side of the town, where there are convenient pens and every necessary accommodation. On the river are several very extensive wharfs, and in the town and neighbourhood are two glass-houses, a large brewery, and several china and earthenware manufactories.The Parish Church
The last Burial in Rotherham Churchyard took place on June 16, 1854.
There are in the town four Chapels belonging to Dissenters, viz., the Independent and the Particular Baptist chapels in Masborough, the Presbyterian or Unitarian chapel at the head of the Old-Oil-Mill-Fold, erected in 1706; and the Wesleyan Methodist chapel in Talbot-lane, built in 1805, and enlarged in 1832, so that it will now hold 1,500 hearers..
The College
The Grammar School
The Charity School
Situated in the Crofts is reported to have been established by a person named Scot, and the estates destined to its support, were formerly under the direction of separate trusts, but since the year 1775, they have been under the trust and management of the Feoffees, who built the present school and master's house, in 1776. The yearly income of this school amounts to £97. 7s, arising from land in Ecclesfield and Rotherham, several pews in the church, some fee farm rents, and £20 a year from the trustees of Ellis's Charity. Of this, £30 is paid to the master and the remainder is expended in providing clothing and books for the 28 boys, and 20 girls, who are here instructed in reading, writing, and arithmetic.Hollis's Charity School
Hollis's Charity School is attached to the Presbyterian chapel, and is endowed with £20 a year, left in 1768, by Timothy Hollis, together with £10 a year to the minister of the chapel. The master has also the free use of a house, and he is required to teach between 20 and 30 children, as free scholars in reading and writing. Read More »The British Schools
Now erecting by subscription in Rawmarsh Lane, are for the accommodation of 200 boys, and 200 girls, to be instructed on the Lancasterian system. The children, since May 1831, have been taught in the Town-Hall.Each scholar pays one penny per week, and the other funds required for the support of the schools, are raised by voluntary contributions.The Great Dole
Under the management of the church wardens, is distributed by them, in money, among the poor inhabitants, except £2. 12s. which is given in bread. It produces £57 10s. per annum, arising from lands and houses left by Thomas Woodhouse, in 1606; John Shaw, and Thomas Dickenson, in 1640, and other benefactors.The Almshouses
For four poor women, were founded in 1780, by Mary Bellamy, and are endowed with an estate at Mansfield, let for £59 5s. a year, and the dividends of £223 6s. 10d. new four per cent annuities. Each almswoman receives an annual stipend of £12 0s. 6d., and £10 a year is distributed amongst the poor, by the six trustees - Messrs. Robert and James Clarke, Joseph Wheatley, John Nightingale, George Harrison and Joseph Hatfield.Various other Benefactions have been bequeathed to the poor of Rotherham and their dates, the names of the donors, and their annual value, are as follows: - 1640, Thomas Dickenson 30s; 1699, Henry Foljambe, 20s; 1776, Edward Bellamy, £8; 1779, John Cutforthay, 50s; 1780, Mary Bellamy (for apprenticing poor boys) £8; 1789, John Kay 32s; 1800, Samuel Tooker, Esq., 48s; 1812, Robert Heppenstall, 37s 6d.; 1689, William Malin, 20s; 1667, Thomas Taylor £4 10s ; 1702, Lady Troth Mallory, £12 1s; Downe's gift, 20s; Mrs Mansel, £6 10s; and in 1702, George Beardsall, £6 out of an estate at Catcliffe, to be distributed annually on St George's Day, amongst 24 lame, impotent, old, blind and poor persons, not able to work, by 5s a piece, residing in Rotherham and Catcliffe. J Wright, of Nottingham, the owner of the estate, refused to pay the latter rent charge, and a suit in Chancery ensued between him and the churchwardens, which ended in 1822, in a decree, that, after the costs (£200) of both plaintiff and defendant, had been paid out of the charity, the rent charge should be paid annually and distributed according to the will of the donor; but it would certainly have been more equitable to have thrown these heavy law expenses upon the defendant, by whose injustice they had been incurred, than thus to have annihilated the charity for upwards of thirty years to come.
Rotherham Independant College
Situated in Masbro’, is an academical institution, for the education of young men intended for the ministry amongst that class of Protestant Dissenters called Independents. It was opened in 1794. The buildings which are well adapted for the purpose, stand on a rising ground, in a salubrious situation; they were originally constructed to receive 16 students, but they have since been enlarged, and made to accommodate 25. The funds for the support of this institution arise from voluntary contributions. The late Samuel Walker, was one of its original projectors and most munificent donators. The Independent Chapel in Masbro’, was built by his liberality. There are at present only 14 students in the College. The Rev. Clement Perrot is the theological tutor, and the Rev. Thomas Smith, of Sheffield, the classical tutor. Read more »Library, Dispensary
In a place where so much provision has been made for affording learning to all classes, it is natural to look for the means of gratifying the taste thus acquired, and accordingly we find there has been in the town during the last fifty years, a Subscription Library, which now comprises upwards of 2000 volumes in the various departments of science, literature, etc. These books are now deposited in a handsome public building, which was erected in 1829, on the site of the old Town-Hall, at the cost of more than £1,500, raised by voluntary subscription, and £100 given by the Feoffees. This elegant edifice has a semi-circular front, and contains commodious apartments, used as a News Room, the Grammar School, and the Dispensary, the latter of which affords medical and surgical aid, as well as medicines, etc. to the afflicted poor, and is supported by the contributions of the benevolent, and an annuity of £21 paid by the Feoffees. Amongst the eminent men, who were natives of Rotherham, we find the before-named Thomas, Archbishop of York, and Robert Sanderson, Bishop of Lincoln, the latter of whom died in 1663The new Town Hall is a handsome fabric with spacious court rooms,etc., near the old College. A Petty Session is held every alternate Monday, when two or more of the following Magistrates are in attendance, viz. the Rev. John Lowe, of Wentworth; Rev. H. S. Milner, LL.D. of Thrybergh; John Fullerton, Esq. of Thrybergh Park; Henry Walker Esq. of Clifton House; T. B. Bosvile Esq. of Barbot Hall; Rev. George Chandler, of Treeton; and the Rev. Wm. Alderson, of Aston; to all of whom Mr John Fisher is clerk.
Many improvements have lately been effected in Rotherham; and in the vicinity are several handsome villas. In 1801, an act was obtained for lighting and cleansing the town, and for making the new market places already noticed. In 1827, a company of shareholders with a capital of £2,000, established public Water Works, from which the principal part of the town is now supplied. The water is pumped by a steam engine, from the ever flowing springs in Wellgate, into two large cisterns at Quarry Hill and the Crofts, from which pipes are laid to the dwellings of the inhabitants. And an effort is now making for the establishment of Gas Works to be erected at the cost of £5000 in shares of £25 each.
Source :History and General Directory of Sheffield with Rotherham and Chesterfield, William White.Publication date: 1833
NB. The Gas Works, near the Bridge, were erected in 1833, by a company of proprietors with a capital of £5.000, raised in £25 shares, but they have yet expended only £4,000. The works were constructed under skilful direction of Mr. Colquhoun, of Sheffield, and the town was first illuminated with their brilliant vapour, on Nov. 15th 1833. At the works are 12 retorts, and a gasometer, of 130,460 cubic feet. The Don Navigation, has been considerably improved by the excavation of a new cut, broad and deep enough for vessels of 90 tons burthen, and nearly two miles in length; - extending in a direct line from the vicinity of the bridge, to the Iron works, and thence to Jordan dam, near which it terminates in the old line. The completion of the North Midland and Sheffield Railways will give a powerful impetus to the prosperity of Rotherham and the extensive collieries iron works and potteries in its vicinity. 1852. »
Source: White's Directory of 1837