Industrialist’s house to open up as town’s wedding venue

The dining room at the Grade II-listed Clifton House, now known as Clifton Park Museum, will 
be offered to couples by 
Rotherham Council, after the 
authority’s Bailey House was closed as part of redevelopment efforts.

The authority’s ruling cabinet had to give permission for the 18th century house – former home of the Walker family – to be used as the borough’s ceremony venue.

Since the closure of Bailey House the Town Hall has been used as a temporary venue.

Coun Amy Rushforth, the 
council’s culture and tourism spokesman, said the museum would provide a beautiful venue for couples wanting to get 
married or celebrate a civil partnership.

She added: “Clifton Park Museum is a fantastic place in its own right and will provide a wonderful back-drop to these hugely important occasions.

“From December 1 this will be Rotherham Council’s ceremony venue but until then we will honour the existing bookings at the Town Hall.”

The dining room in the refurbished museum is on the ground floor and according to Coun Rushforth, has beautiful views of the surrounding park, which itself was recently refurbished.

During the refurbishment of Clifton House a paint analysis was done of the walls and they are now decorated to reflect how they would have been originally.

The Walker family portraits and panels will remain in the room together with the information and family tree that tells the story of the family, who were involved in iron and steel manufacturing in the 18th century.

Cannons made by the Walker family were used at the Battle of Trafalgar and the success of the business meant that Joshua Walker was able to have the house built in the Palladian style to a design by John Carr of York.