Catcliffe Glass Kiln
Catcliffe Glass Kiln also known as Catcliffe Glass Cone is situated slap bang in the middle of an area of pensioners' bungalows which were presumably built on the site of the former glass works.
History of Catcliffe Glass Kiln
Catcliffe Glass Kiln, a Grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument, is a unique survivor of the local glass industry standing on a low hill top in the village of Catcliffe three miles south of Rotherham. It was built in 1740 by William Fenney as part of a glass factory and was used to make glass until the 1880s. It is one of only three (according to English Heritage) or four (other sources) still standing in Great Britain. The factory produced bottles, flint and window glass. The 70 foot brick cone is the survivor of two cone furnaces which were built on the site.
In May 1759 the Catcliffe works were sold by William Fenney to John May for £500. It was still run by the May family in 1822 when Joseph and Thomas May are listed in Baines Directory as Glass Manufacturers. In 1833 the partnership of Booth and Blunn took over. Henry Booth was an iron and steel magnate while Thomas Blunn had been described as a glass blower. The works were the responsibility of Samuel Blunn in 1856 and his family had operated as Blunn Brothers. The census of 1871 records Joseph Ramsbottom Blunn, aged 40, born in Sheffield, as a Glass Manufacturer employing 17 men and 7 boys. Samuel Blunn, living next door at Rother Villa, is recorded as being a landowner. The company closed down the Catcliffe Works in 1884. In 1901 it was reopened by the firm C. Wilcocks and Co who eventually went bankrupt.
It is believed that prisoners of war were incarcerated here during the First World War. During the General Strike and other disputes in 1926 it was used as a children's canteen. The one remaining glass cone was purchased by Rotherham Rural District Council in the 1960s and old people's bungalows were later built on the surrounding land. In August 2003 when I last visited the cone was still standing but there isn't even a information board.
Catcliffe Class Kiln in the 21st Century
January 2003 - There is a lot of discussion about the future of the glass kiln. The local residents claim that the building is dangerously close to collapse, and moreover is a regular target for teenage vandals. They want the kiln railed off or totally demolished. Catcliffe Parish Council say they have been trying to get restoration work done for the last ten years and accuse English Heritage of dragging their feet in this matter. Rotherham Borough Council say that after all this time a solution has been agreed verbally (believe that if you will). This appears to consist of fencing or railings to stop vandals further vandalising the building. A long-term plan for the future of the kiln would then have to be thrashed out between the appropriate authorities. A spokesperson from English Heritage said "We are actively encouraging Rotherham Borough Council to enter into a more comprehensive scheme to repair the building and install appropriate railings together with interpretation panels."
Looks like everybody is playing the negativist game!
In January 2005 I understand that gratings or grilles have been placed around the kiln which are locked at night to prevent further vandalism and stop the gangs of local youths using it as a toilet, or for a quick drag, fix, tot or much worse.
During summer 2007 surveys of Catcliffe Glass Kiln and the Waterloo Kiln at Swinton were undertaken. What this will lead to I don't know. To date I have heard nothing further.
Catcliffe Glass Kiln can be found off Tristford Close, Catcliffe, Rotherham and is Grade I listed building.
Other Places to Visit Locally
If you do decide to pay the glass kiln a visit then add St Helen's Church at Treeton to your itinerary. I haven't had a look around myself but we passed by one Sunday morning whilst out on a longer walk and it looked very interesting, but naturally you can't nosy whilst Sunday services are taking place. In this day and age I expect that the church is locked and bolted when not in use and I don't know opening times. The church is not generally open but there is keyholder access contact 44 (0)114 269 6542.