Masbrough Chapel & Walker Mausoleum

An application for Listed Building consent to demolish Masbrough Chapel, College Road, Masbrough is being considered by Rotherham MBC (REF: RB2012/0335). More information is now available on the RMBC Planning website - Type in the reference number and click on "See Information". Comments on the application have to be received by 9th May 2012.

 

As stated below the Chapel was recently devastated by fire. The Rotherham Archaeological Society is requesting that before demolition the remaining plaques and other historical artifacts are sympathetically removed from the building. Several of the plaques have been photographed by RAS member David Sotheran and you can see some of his images by viewing our Masbrough Chapel & Walker Mausoleum Gallery. We are also concerned at the continued neglect of the Walker Mausoleum and the graveyard.

 

If you would like to support the Society in our endeavours to save as much of Masbrough Chapel's historic heritage as possible please write to Rotherham MBC, Planning Department, Riverside House, Main Street, Rotherham, S60 1AE quoting planning reference RB2012/0335 before 9th May 2012. Alternatively you can complete their comment form online.

 

Pictures of Disaster...

 

RAS Member David Sotheran visited Masbrough Chapel and Walker Mausoleum and took pictures of the recent devastation to one of Rotherham's historic landmarks. The recent fire has destroyed the Grade II listed building and it seems likely that it will be demolished.

 

However, as can be seen by these images many of the plaques have survived and we are hopeful that the building will be taken down in a sympathetic manner and the plaques removed intact.

 

The Friends of Masbrough Chapel and Walker Mausoleum have been battling for years to secure the future of the 18th century building which was built by Samuel Walker and this fire is a devastating blow to them.

 

The Walker Mausoleum (which is owned by Rotherham Council) escaped the fire but is in a desperate state of repair through long neglect. It is understood that there are funds available to renovate the building - this work should be completed as soon as possible and the graveyard tidied and restored. To see more pictures taken by David - View the Masbrough Chapel & Walker Mausoleum Gallery.

 

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Rotherham Local Development Framework

The LDF Consultation Feedback Report is now available on the RMBC website.

 

Rotherham MBC will be carrying out further public consultation on the LDF in 2012 so watch out for any announcements in local papers, tv and radio.

 

You will remember that along with many others, the Rotherham Archaeological Society registered it's objections in 2011 to the removal of several sites from the Green Belt in the Bassingthorpe Farm area. Not least, the Society was concerned that the creation of a new urban sprawl in such a prominent landscape would mean a loss of 'local distinctiveness' and have an adverse impact on the all important view from the Town Centre. You can still read our full submission online (pdf format).

 

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Philip Henry James Smedley (M.A.A.T)

It is with great sadness that we learned that Philip Smedley (a founder member of the Society) passed away peacefully in Rotherham General Hospital on the 15th October 2011. A funeral service which was attended by his family and friends was held at Rotherham Crematorium on Friday 28th.

His support for the Society knew no bounds and he will be greatly missed by us all. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

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More encouraging news regarding Wentworth Woodhouse

More plans have been unveiled by the Newbould family to give greater public access to Wentworth Woodhouse in the near future. If their plans come to fruition the great house could see itself reinvented as a hotel spa and public museum. They have already restored several of the state rooms and also have plans to aquire and restore much of the artwork that once hung on its walls.

The Rotherham Archaeological Society welcomes any sympathetic re-use of such an important building that needs to be safeguarded for future generations to admire and enjoy.

Welcome Boost for Rotherham High Street

Local businessman Chris Hamby is to buy and refurbish three old shops on Rotherham High Street. The Rotherham Districty Civic Society has given its full support to his proposals  More info.....

The Rotherham Archaeological Society also welcomes news of the project that should give the Grade II listed buildings - The Three Cranes & The George Wright Building - a new lease of life. More info....

Brunanburgh, the debate continues...

Brunanburgh [Brunanburh] and its history is an ongoing project for David Anson and, following his lecture to the Society in February, he shares his latest thoughts with us on this very complex and intriguing subject.

Brunanburgh – England's Lost Battle Fought by Britain's Forgotten King written by David Anson - the debate continues here.

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