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In the beginning... • Clifton House Museum • The Bandstand • Historic Beech Tree • Cenotaph and Memorial Gardens
Clifton House, built in 1783, was previously owned by the Walker family who were early industrialists involved in the manufacture of iron and steel until 1864. It was then purchased by industrialist William Owen. After his death in 1891, Municipal Borough of Rotherham (now Rotherham Council) in 1891 bought Clifton House, grounds and land for £25,000 and converted into a park which was opened to the public on 25th June 1891 by His Majesty Edward 7th, The Prince of Wales, with the Museum two years later, in 1893. The Museum is a Grade II listed building.
Set in a 70 acre estate which is similar to the present day Clifton Park (there was also a paddock on the other side of Clifton Lane which is now housing), the house had a servants' wing, stables, icehouse, formal and kitchen gardens. Only the house and part of the servants' quarters remain.
The grand opening of Clifton Park in 1891
Quote from The Rotherham Directory 1902
"The park is a finely timbered piece of land about 56 acres on the south side of Doncaster Road and was opened on 25th June 1891 by His Majesty Edward 7th , The Prince of Wales. The Corporation have enlarged the lake and laid out grounds at a cost of about £5,000."
The main road running from north to south is Doncaster Road. Picture taken in late 1920's.
Clifton Park Museum is an Grade II listed 18th Century house, designed by John Carr and built for Joshua Walker in 1783/84. The design was in the Palladian style popular at the time, drawing on Greek and Roman influences. There is a very good view across Rotherham from the house. The house had a servants' wing, stables, icehouse, formal and kitchen gardens. Only the house and part of the servants' quarters remain.
Recently redesigned with the help of a £3 million grant, Clifton Park Museum highlights the history of the borough in a way that appeals to all ages and helps to bring both our lives, and those of our ancestors, into sharp focus with the latest in high tech displays and interactive exhibits.
As well as being informative, the museum allows visitors to have a ‘hands-on’ experience of history, with regular cookery sessions on the restored Victorian Range, fun events for all the family, an interactive Jungle playroom for the kids and even the occasional play, complete with period costume!
Entry to the Museum is free. There are full facilities for people with disabilities as well as a family-friendly café and gift shop for the perfect souvenir of your day out. Opening times and more information can be found in the following link: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council >> Clifton Park Museum
Past and present images of Clifton House
The council began discussing the possibility of providing music in the park and around 1894 the first bandstand was erected. This was removed in 1919 and erected for use in Masborough Recreational Ground which is now Ferham park.
Bands were a popular sight at Clifton Park bandstand during the late 1890's through to 1980's. Originally, the bandstand also had glass windows complete with sliding doors but were sadly removed due to vandalism. The good news though is that the bandstand is going to be restored to it's former glory along with the rest of Clifton Park. See News section for more details.
Left image: As it was with windows and sliding doors • Right image: Rare sight of band playing recently.
Work will be undertaken shortly to replace timber fencing with metal railings to protect the tree and to prevent people from entering the area where parts of the tree might fall. In the longer term, an interpretive panel is planned to explain the significance of the tree as a landscape feature and wildlife habitat.
The Cenotaph and memorial gardens is located near the main entrance of the park at the junction of between Doncaster Road and Wharncliffe Street. The cenotaph sandstone cenotaph rises from a base to three granite stepped levels. At the top of the lowest level at front and rear is a carved wreath, on each of the two sides is a bronze sword. The edges of the second level are carved into feathers. The top level suggests a coffin with carved swags at its ends and with a bronze brazier and eternal flame on top.
On the second level at front and rear are the words: ' FOR REMBRANCE '.
At the base of the cenotaph the inscription: ' THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 / AND / THE WORLD WAR 1939 - 1945 '
...and at the base of the first level: ' IF I SHOULD DIE, THINK ONLY THIS OF ME: / THAT THERE'S SOME CORNER OF A FOREIGN FIELD / THAT IS FOR EVER ENGLAND '
Behind the cenotaph is a curtain wall with the names of the dead arranged by regiment and service. A plaque in the centre of the wall states: ' 1914 Sic virescit industria 1918 / TO COMMEMORATE THE MEN OF ROTHERHAM / WHO DURING THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918 / GAVE THE MOST THAT LOVE CAN GIVE / LIFE ITSELF / FOR GOD FOR KING FOR COUNTRY / AND FREEDOM OF THE WORLD '
The wall is 1.92 m high; 15 m long; and 56 cms deep.
Commission: Unveiled on Sunday November 26, 1922. Major Knight was a Rotherham architect, who lived in a house opposite Clifton Park.
Work is underway to repair the gardens surrounding wall, the Cenotaph, as well as a working fountain, to ensure that for generations to come, this area remains a tribute to those who gave their lives.