Local heritage lists identify locally valued heritage assets, nominated mainly by members of the public and local interest groups. The lists includes heritage assets that are not nationally designated (for example, not listed buildings or scheduled monuments) but have local value and/or heritage interest.
South Yorkshire was one of the areas selected by the government to deliver a joint working project to develop a South Yorkshire Local Heritage List, with the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service leading the project and local authorities working up final lists in 2024.
Over 100 heritage assets within Rotherham were included in the initial list - from Bailey Bridges to workshops, historic pubs to a Royal Mail Post Box. A further 18 have been now been deemed to meet the selection criteria so are worthy of inclusion.
Visit Rotherham takes a look at some of the new entries.
In Rotherham town centre the 2024 list includes The Civic Theatre, the former Temperance Hall and the Masonic Hall (both on Wellgate), Essoldo Chambers at the top of the High Street, the former Sheffield Union Bank on College Street, the Howard Building, the former Co-Op Building, The Old Post Office on Main Street, and pubs, the Wellington Inn, Cross Keys and Alma Tavern.
New additions include 16-20 College Street, known locally as Davy's Corner, and originally referred to as the Tudor Cafe. The three storey building of brick and stone construction in the Neo-Jacobean style. Carved heads in the front cornice include King George I, King Henry VII and Archbishop Rotherham, framed by gargoyle water spouts.
Opposite the Red Lion, the White Hart Buildings were built by Mappin’s Brewery and opened in 1929, including the White Hart Hotel, shops, 16 office and premises for Barclays Bank. The public house closed in March 1969 following its acquisition by Barclay's Bank Ltd. The bank closed its doors in 2021.
The County, originally County Borough Hotel, is also on the list. The eclectic corner building was built c. 1914 on the site of an earlier inn. It was designed by David B. Jenkinson, architect, and was estimated to cost £3,000, including accommodation for market vehicles and motorcars and stabling for 13 horses.
On the heritage High Street a number of additions have been approved, including the former Muntus shop at 28-30 (currently home to Rotherham Visitor Centre and the Maker's Emporium) (pictured,top), the prominent Burton's building at 2-6 (currently vacant), the former John Mason's shop at 34-36 (now home to the Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective).
At the foot of the High Street, 2-6 Doncaster Gate (Van Allan's Corner) has also been added. Built on the site of the former Pack Horse Inn it became new retail units and a dwellinghouse in 1909.
Pub buildings, The Bridge Inn and The Plough, originally Effingham Arms, have also been added.
On Corporation Street, where Rotherham Council aims to extend the cultural quarter from Forge Island, the two empty bank buildings have been added - the long vacant NatWest (a Former Sheffield Banking Company Branch) and also vacant Lloyds (former offices for Mappins Masbrough Brewery Co).
Outside the town centre, new additions include Herringthorpe Hall Farm Cottages, Sherwood House on Moorgate, Former Hard Mill in Kiveton Park and Kilnhurst War Memorial.
Recognised assets should then be better considered in the planning process when new development is proposed. There is also the future potential for protecting the assets further, for example, to prevent their demolition.
South Yorkshire Local Heritage List website
Images: Google Maps / Allsop
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