Tradition

Rotherham has a history of iron and steelmaking, with the earliest documented evidence being recorded in 1161 when Richard De Busli, Lord of the Manor of Kimberworth, granted permission of Kirkstead Abbey to mine and smelt iron in Kimberworth.

The Romans were also situated at the fort at Templeborough close to the melting shop, this is now the Magna Science Museum.

There have been some well-known names in Rotherham who have owned metal working businesses, such as the Walkers and in more recent times Steel Peech and Tozer (SPT).

‘Steelos’, as they were more commonly known, started operation around Temleborough in 1875, when they bought the bankrupt Phoenix Bessemer Steel Co Works at Ickles.