"Hail, Rotherham, happy place! where heav'n
Its choicest bounties hath profusely given;
Thy situation such, though might'st be made
The emporium of this famed isle for trade
Thus situate, Rotherham thou dost stand
Midst works of art and nature on each hand
Materials plenty sure thou hast for trade
With which a prosperous town might soon be made"

Our website celebrates the lives and tells the stories of some of Rotherham’s Iron and Steel Barons who took advantage of Rotherham’s situation close to the rivers Don and Rother to develop their own dynasties.

Public duty was, however, also important to these same businessmen many of whom were responsible for the incorporation of our Borough under a Charter of Incorporation granted by Queen Victoria on 29 August 1871, when a new era commenced in the life of Rotherham.

Take a stroll round the cemetery and read their stories along with reports of heroism, tragedies and life in the workhouse hospital.