Introduction

The Rotherham area has undergone profound change in the last century or so. There has been much demolition and rebuilding in the town centre, the town has grown outwards in all directions and the surrounding settlements – rural and industrial – have been transformed in many cases.

Many working patterns and workplaces have disappeared, means of transport have changed beyond all recognition and even how people used their leisure time in the early twentieth century shows some striking differences from today.

This fascinating collection of old photographs, mostly from private collections and many of them not published before, will take long-established residents on an affectionate tour of their past, and for relative newcomers it may be something of a revelation.