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History of Thundercliffe Grange

Thundercliffe Grange - line drawingThe history of Thundercliffe begins with the death of the hermit Robert le Cras in 1161. After his death the site of the Hermitage of St. John was granted to the monks of Kirkstead Abby by the lords of the manor of Ecclesfield and Kimberworth, Richard de Lovetot and Richard de Busli.

 

Then followed several changes of ownership and function which were accompanied by a series of changes to the buildings that have been revealed by the excavations on the site of the old Grange which was demolished in 1779.  Materials from that building were used for the new construction we can see today.

 

In 1980, this was acquired by a group of people who were seeking a more co-operative way of living. The present building was converted into self-contained flats and the current residents (some of whom are still the original participants in the scheme) co-operate on regular "working days" to maintain and develop the communal areas of the house and grounds thus ensuring that they will remain for future generations to enjoy.

 

The residents of Thundercliffe Grange and Rotherham Archaeological Society have produced a leaflet describing the history of the site and information about the excavation work. Copies can be download here: A5 booklet or Single page layout (adobe acrobat pdf format).

 

Excavations at Thundercliffe Grange

Thundercliffe Grange - Members working on the excavation Thundercliffe is a steeply sloping site to the north-west of Rotherham. Over several years excavations by members of the Rotherham Archaeological Society (in particular the late Brian Dolby and Don Hill) revealed a complex of medieval and post medieval buildings with a range of dates from the 13th to the late 18th Century.

 

The monks were given the right to mine for iron ore and to smelt iron. They were given permission to erect four forges, two for smelting the iron ore and two for forging metal. Excavations have revealed signs of these activities, and there is little doubt that for at least part of Kirkstead Abbey's 365 year tenure that this was an important medieval metalworking site.'

 

Excavations have now ceased for the time being and the site has been preserved. Information has been lodged with the Clifton House Museum, Thundercliffe and South Yorkshire Archaeology. Only roughly half the site has been exposed and there is still the potential for much useful work to be done in the future.

 

There is an opportunity here for more Excavation Work if we can get the volunteers and resources to continue. Contact admin@rasociety.org.uk if you are interested and would like to help.

 

 

View Thundercliffe Grange Gallery