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Swinton & Swinton Bridge
Swinton means the swine farm or enclosure. Swinton Bridge is simply the bridge at Swinton. Swinton is a considerably sized village largely given over to housing. The Common with plantations, woods and open ground still exists, as does Swinton Racecourse which ceased to be used long ago. Somebody has told me that it was never a race course as such but a training gallop. There are loads of playing fields, recreation grounds and sports grounds throughout the villages and in Bow Broom as well. Many of these were developed in the days when many men spent their working lives in the enclosed environment of pit or factory but were encouraged to get out on the football/rugby field and the cricket pitch evenings and weekends for the good of their health. Then it was down to the pub or the Working Men's Club or the Miners' Welfare for a few pints and a packet of fags.
The famous Rockingham Potteries had their factories here though only the Waterloo Kiln and the water storage ponds are available to look around. Various other buildings still exist but are now private homes. You must visit Rotherham or Doncaster Museum to see collections of Rockingham Ware.
The Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation, the River Don and the railway all run to the east of Swinton. The Dearne and Dove Canal came down to join the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation south of Swinton Bridge. Between Swinton Bridge and Kilnhurst to the south there was massive heavy industry like glassworks, steelworks and chemical factories, all developed to take advantage of the good transport system, though I wouldn't include the roads in this. Much of this has now gone; some areas have already been reclaimed and covered with housing; others are still undergoing the same process.
Swinton Lock
Swinton Lock Activity Centre is a centre for various arts and crafts activities and also some activities a little more adventurous. Visit their website at www.swintonlock.org.uk.
The Waterloo Kiln & Pottery Ponds
Swinton Parish Church St Margaret's
