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Rotherham
lies between Sheffield and Doncaster, near the confluence
of the Rivers Don and Rother. The settlement grew up in the
Middle Ages as an important Saxon market town on an old Roman
road that forded the River Don.
Iron
had been exploited in the district since Roman times but in
the 18th century the development of coal mining in South Yorkshire
enabled large iron foundaries to be established here.
Rotherham's
iron was noted for the strength and the production of the
metal, and later steel, was town's major industry until well
into the 20th century. The Steel, Peach and Tozer's Templeborough
steel works, which was over a mile long and employed 10,000
workers, closed in 1993.
Although
the steel industry has gone, Rotherham's economy is booming,
attracting companies from such sectors as aerospace, high
tec, medical and food.
Rotherham
town centre does not have many historic buildings but it does
have one of only four bridge chapels in England. The Chapel
of Our Lady of Rotherham Bridge, on Chantry Bridge, dates
from the 15th century.
When
the Templeborough steel works closed the Magna
Science Adventure Park was built on its site.
In this exciting new museum visitors explore Earth, Air, Fire
and Water through interactive displays.
Attractions
include Clifton
Park Museum, located in a Georgian house in the
town's park, illustrates the natural, social and industrial
history of Rotherham.
The York
and Lancaster Regimental Museum, situated in the Central Library
& Arts Centre, traces the history of the Regiment back to
its creation in 1758.
Beyond
town centre most of the Rotherham district is made up of rolling
countryside, with a mixture of farming and mining villages.
The large
Wentworth Woodhouse estate (in the village of Wentworth) is
an impressive mansion with the longest façade of any country
house in England. Although the house is privately owned (and
not open to visitors) the extensive grounds and surrounding
area are mostly open to the public and contain a number of
interesting follies.
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Rotherham
