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Rawmarsh
The name Rawmarsh is reckoned to come from 'Red Marsh'. One authority cites that the name is based on the colour of the soil, but I have an alternative theory. Iron ore was mined upon
Stubbin back in Roman times and the stream that runs through Stubbin is stained orange with rust. In a time before oranges were generally much known in England, the colour did not exist
in English and red was the nearest to hand. Rawmarsh is mentioned as 'Rodemesc' in the Domesday Book and through the centuries as Rubeo Marisco, Routhemersk and Romerssh before settling
on the current spelling. The local pronunciation seems to be 'Romush' or as others would have it 'Romish'.
The original village was clustered around High Street, Stocks Lane, Dale Road and Green Lane. In the 19th Century this was an area of pits and potteries with housing to the north of the church.
Rawmarsh Hall
Rawmarsh Hall was one of the three manor houses of the manor of Rawmarsh. The inheritance was split between three daughters and a posh abode was built in all three. The manor house at Nether Haugh still exists but the other two, Rawmarsh Hall and Aldwarke Hall have gone. Rawmarsh Hall was demolished early in the Twentieth Century and the site was gifted by Earl Fitzwilliam to the people of Rawmarsh. Rawmarsh Miners' Welfare Baths built on the site in 1927. The baths were closed in 2001 as they needed costly repairs and they very conveniently burned down a few weeks later. The site is derelict with a few garages remaining round the back. My understanding is that Rotherham Council would like to sell it for redevelopment (housing) but either do not own it or are prevented by a deed of covenant from doing so. Ex-miners who live up my street are all up in arms as they reckon the site was gifted to the people of Rawmarsh and whatever is done with it should be in keeping with the purpose of the original gift.
Rawmarsh Methodist Church
In many towns and villages the Anglican church is often the centre of the community. Although St Mary's in only a stone's throw from the Methodist church on High Street, it is the Methodist building which functions as the centre in this part of Rawmarsh. Of course having a sizeable car park helps. The High Street Centre and the ACE project are both based here. From time to time there are concerts and talks as well as the usual jumble sales and fetes.
Rawmarsh Old Rectory
The old rectory at the top of Rawmarsh Hill was built in 1752 when it must have been very grand building indeed. It has been unoccupied since 1977 and in 2005 is in very poor condition. The slates were stripped off the roof some time ago. It is partly boarded and partly bricked up to stop squatters getting in but the pigeons have no problem. It was sold at auction in 2003/4 and has recently gone to auction again with planning permission to turn the building into flats. The building has listed status but not much land as the large garden was sold off about fifteen years ago and a care home built there.
March 2006 somebody has been along to clear the garden. we shall have to wait and see if and when anything else happens. In July 2006 the Grade II* listed building has been placed on the buildings 'At Risk' register. I doubt that this will have any more clout than any other action that has been taken before. April 2007 no further action has yet taken place but RMBC state that work is due to start converting and extending the building into 12 flats in the next few months. First week in December 2007 - scaffolding is going up so something should be starting soon! By April 2008 the roof and chimney have been made good.
The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Rawmarsh
Rawmarsh parish church is at the top of Rawmarsh Hill where from the top of the tower it commands a wide view of the surrounding countryside and a good part of Rotherham town. The first known rector being William de Sutton in 1227AD. The present church dates from 1838 when the earlier church was rebuilt and the height of the tower increased. In 1869 the tower was rebuilt incorporating features of the original Norman doorway. In 1894 a vestry, organ chamber and porch on the north side were added. The last time I went in it needed quite a bit of work doing to it.
The war memorial is situated to the left of this picture was unveiled in June 1928, almost ten years after the end of the Great War. As a protest at the length of time being taken by the War Memorial Committee to remember those who had fallen in the conflict, members of the British Legion secretly erected a concrete cross on this site in July 1926. It had been intended to use a site near Rawmarsh Baths (demolished 2001) but the official memorial was eventually sited in the same place as the unofficial one.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park was opened at Rosehill in 1901, so it is often called Rosehill Park. More about Rosehill/Victoria Park in Rawmarsh visit onsite at Recreation in Rotherham >> Parks >> Urban Parks >> Victoria or Rosehill Park.