Swinton Heritage is a very informal grouping of individuals who come together for project delivery. Our primary role is to celebrate, spread knowledge and seek to protect, varied aspects of the Swinton areas (including Kilnhurst)rich local history and heritage.

Funds to enable project delivery are raised from events, sale of products and occasional small grants. We also have an impressive record of raising funds for a range of other local good causes and groups; examples are given on the next page.

Rescued Plaque

RESEARCH SERVICE

We are able to carry out a research service from the many Local Archives. We have extensive knowledge of the Town and its history and as individuals we have an extensive archive of the area. Copies of documents and photos can also be provided. We will quote for the work before it is undertaken. We can save you extensive time......

Ron James - Swinton Heritage Researcher and archivist.Ron has extensive knowledge on the Swinton area.

We also campaign to try and help rejuvenation of tired parts of the town and campaign for environmental issues affecting the wellbeing.

Giles Brearley viewing the mess the canal is in

For years Swinton Heritage have assisted the Bridge Action Group with their never ending battle with British Waterways to try and get the Dearne and Dove canal put back into something the town is proud of.

In the summer the rotting azollo weed puts out a foul stench over the lower end of town. Why should we put up with it.......To date B.Ws record of cooperation has been appalling and they have broken promises made many times.

They have at times failed to attend pre arranged meetings, failed to carry out agreed actions eventually prized out of them when we finally do get a meeting and at times failed to return our phone calls  and emails , they are polite as we do eventually get apology after apology - but no action... Everyone in the area is appalled at their attitude problem and unprofessionalism. Passing the Lawrence Morgan Test (Quote L Morgan )  means absolutely nothing.

We are determined to keep at them ,to prick their conscience for them to meet their  obligation to the Town and its people. 

How the canal looks today.

How it could look.

Please support our campaign and write stating your disgust at the eyesore and demand a reply to;

Lawrence Morgan,Waterways Manager, Fearn Wharf, Neptune street, Leeds, LS9 8PB

Copy your letter in to John Healey M.P House of Commons, London.

Please also copy us in so we can continue the pressure.

 

Medieval Cross Found

Earlier this year a remarkable piece of medieval stonework was recovered from a boundary wall to be placed safely in St Margaret’s Church.  The stone has a Christian Cross carved on it and it is believed that it was once part of the structure of Swinton’s 12th Century Chapel to St Mary Magdalene.  Local resident, Mr Harold Badger had been aware of the carving since he was a child and contacted Swinton Heritage to ensure the preservation of this rare medieval artifact.

The original chapel was demolished in 1817 and understandably the stonework was reused. 

The carved stone was visible for many years as part of the structure for a cottage forming part of Blythmans Row/Milton Cottages.  These dwellings were very close to the site of the old Chapel and were demolished in the early 1960’s.  After that the stone formed part of the boundary wall at the junction of Milton Street and Church Street.  There was concern that the 900 year old carving could be damaged or disappear through the effects of weathering.  Now, after careful removal by a Rotherham Council stonemason, the carved stone has been placed within St Margaret’s Church for safe keeping into the future.

 

Loss of Congregational Church

The above has now sadly been demolished in favour of yet another Flat development. The developers have however been sympathetic. They have donated the marble War Memorial contained inside and this will be erected on the Towns War Memorial later in the Autumn.

They have also promised to include the Founders stones in the new boundary walls so they will be preserved. They tell of the original subscribers to the church and include many longstanding Swinton family names.

 

Loss of Canal Tavern

The above has also been demolished so ending a long history of it with the town. Sadly a packed development of flats is to take place which will fill the site and with no parking facilities at all is going to have negative impact on the Bridge Street area. A planning madness .(GHB,s opinion)