Rotherham Kiln: £77,000 Historic England helps reignite industrial Swinton kiln

The kiln was once part of an internationally renowned porcelain works, producing flamboyant pieces for the likes of King William IV and the Fitzwilliam family at nearby Wentworth Woodhouse.

It was used to make china decorations and dinner services for some of the most prestigious families in the country, including aristocracy and even royalty, and now the Rockingham kiln, near Rotherham, is to be saved, years after being on the Buildings at Risk register.

Dating from 1815, the bottle-shaped building formed part of the Rockingham Pottery, which evolved from an early works established in 1745.

The site changed hands several times until 1806 when it was run by John Brameld and sons.

They began experimenting with porcelain and, whilst not financially successful, the Rockingham Pottery became famous under the patronage of the Earl Fitzwilliam, remaining in business until 1842.

Owing to its declining condition, the kiln was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2022 and the organisation’s grant of £77,528 will help fund essential repairs, as well as enable public access so it can be enjoyed by the local community.

Giles Proctor, from Historic England, said: “This elegant kiln once produced pottery that was used and admired across the world. It is a valuable part of Rotherham’s heritage and I’m proud that Historic England has been able to play a role in securing its future.”

Leanne Buchan, head of creative programming and engagement at Rotherham Council, added: "We're delighted to be able to restore this important part of Rotherham's heritage.

"The council team has worked tirelessly for years to bring this project to fruition and to creatively and sensitively reveal the important role this site has played in the both the history of the borough and the nation."

It comes as the stately home of the Rockingham Pottery patrons in Wentworth is set to feature in the latest series of Our Lives which starts on BBC One today.

Wentworth Woodhouse was once one of the grandest and most important stately homes in the country, but fell into decline from the late 1900s and when a preservation trust took over in 2017, the ruined and roofless grade II* listed Camellia House, once the teahouse of Countess Fitzwilliam, was another one of the buildings on the Heritage At Risk Register.

The story of its restoration, and what is happening there in the future, is the focus of the hour-long episode which will be available on iPlayer from today.

The film will introduce viewers to "Brasso Dave", "Classy Scrubber" Rosemary, and other locals who spend all their free time working hard to restore the fortunes of the huge building.

They are among an army of skilled workers and local volunteers who are undertaking the most challenging heritage restoration project of a generation.

This year has been a momentous one for Wentworth Woodhouse, with a £5m project to help the Camellia House blossom again, while there are also plans for a hotel and colourful events to pull in the public.

Rob Pittam, managing director at Robin Hood Media which is the production company behind Our Yorkshire Stately Home, said: “We’ve been captivated by the people carrying out the restoration of Wentworth Woodhouse. It’s much more than a tale of plucky amateurs restoring a few old rooms.

“The volunteers and staff are carrying out a very highly-skilled restoration of international importance, handling tens of millions of pounds worth of renovation projects and carrying it all out to the highest of standards. We wanted to pay tribute to that passion and success.”

The film will form part of a new 12-part series of the show, which will tell stories from communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They will be airing a new episode every week, with one of the Welsh shows going out first on August 16 at 7.30pm, but the other 11 episodes will be released on iPlayer at the same time.

BBC TV commissioner, Diana Hare, says: “Our Lives is a rare jewel. A series of single documentaries that all celebrate and reflect the amazing stories of people and communities across the UK. Over the years it has been a wonderful opportunity for smaller production companies and first time directors and this year is no exception. I am excited by the developing talent we are working with.”