The
Unofficial Website
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 1 listed building, 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 four still standing in Great Britain. The factory produced bottles, flint and window glass.
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. I visited here with a party from school, oh thirty-fivish or so years ago. I have not been back since. There was precious little to see other than the kiln at that time and I don't know if there is any more now. August 2003 - the kiln is still standing in the middle of an area of pensioners' bungalows but there isn't even a information board.
Catcliffe Class Kiln in the Twenty-first 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 are to be undertaken. What this will lead to I don't know. There is planned to be an exhibition of Glassmaking in Rotherham at Clifton Park during the year.
More Information about Catcliffe Glass Kiln:-
Some Memories & Pictures of Catcliffe.
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 0114 269 6542.