ROTHERHAM FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

RFHS MEMBERS AUGUST VISIT TO ROTHERHAM MINSTER (NOTE: THERE WILL ALSO BE A MEMBERS MEETING ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF AUGUST AT EASTWOOD MISSION CHURCH)
Unfortunately this visit will be restricted to RFHS MEMBERS ONLY

7pm Thursday 14th August 2007

The minster is the third church to stand on this site. There was almost certainly a church here before 937 AD, and the Domesday Book tells us that by 1086 Rotherham was an established settlement with its own mill, church and priest.
We don't really know what the original Saxon Church looked like - but it was probably small and built mainly of wood. The Norman church, built in the late 11th Century, was a much larger building. It had a nave, chancel, north and south transepts and a short central tower. Local red sandstone known as 'Rotherham Red' was used.

In the 14th Century 'Perpendicular' architecture became fashionable and the church was slowly modernised. In 1409 work started with the tower.

The 180ft. spire topped with its 7ft. gilded weathervane rises above the town as it has for over 500 years. Construction and reconstruction work continued and with the addition of the Clergy Vestry in 1540 the church was complete.

We meet OUTSIDE the Minster at 7.00pm where we will be treated to a tour and talk about the History of the Church.

Then afterwards we shall hopefully be adjourning to a suitable Hostelry for beverages of an 'Alcoholic Nature' and Jollification.

Joe Leach
Editor 'A Bridge in Time'

Web Links:

http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/graphics/Visiting/Attractions/EDSMinster.htm
http://www.rotherhamminster.org/
http://www.ukattraction.com/yorkshire/rotherham-minster.htm