Rotherham Minster was formerly known as Rotherham All Saints' Parish Church.
Location plan showing Rotherham Minster
One of the finest examples of medieval Perpendicular architecture in the country..."
The minster is the third church to stand on this site. There was almost certainly a church here before 937 AD, and the Domesday Book tells us that by 1086 Rotherham was an established settlement with its own mill, church and priest.
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We don't really know what the original Saxon Church looked like - but it was probably small and built mainly of wood. The Norman church, built in the late 11th Century, was a much larger building. It had a nave, chancel, north and south transepts and a short central tower. Local red sandstone known as 'Rotherham Red' was used.
In the 14th Century 'Perpendicular' architecture became fashionable and the church was slowly modernised. In 1409 work started with the tower.
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The 180ft. spire topped with its 7ft. gilded weathervane rises above the town as it has for over 500 years. Construction and reconstruction work continued and with the addition of the Clergy Vestry in 1540 the church was complete.
A full restoration of the church began in 1873, under the direction of the architect, Sir Gilbert Scott. The galleries were removed, the stonework cleaned and repaired and the oak roofs cleaned, polished and, in some places, replaced. We are lucky that Sir Gilbert Scott recognised the historical importance of the 15th Century Chancel stalls. They include two carved misericords and remain the oldest example of carved woodwork in the church.
Figurines grace the Chancel bench ends. They are called 'Poppy Heads' and portray characters associated with the Nativity.
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The role of the Minster is similar to that of any other Parish Church. We serve the spiritual needs of those who live within the Parish boundaries, greet the new-born, celebrate marriages and say farewell to the departed.
The church holds a special place in the hearts of many Rotherham people. We hope you will visit us soon.
Points of Interest
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