Keppel’s Column in Rotherham removed from at risk register following restoration project

The 115ft-tall tower re-opened to the public in September 2022 for the first time since the 1960s.

Designed by the architect John Carr, it was built between 1773 and 1780 for Charles Wentworth, the second Marquis of Rockingham, as a tribute to his friend Admiral Keppel, a Royal Navy officer and Whig politician.

The tower commemorates Admiral Keppel’s honourable acquittal, following a court-martial for failing to engage the French in battle in 1778.

It was taken on by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council in 1981 and added to the heritage at risk register in 1998, as the internal staircase was disintegrating, and the top of the column was only accessible by cherry picker.

Funding from Historic England, including a grant of more than £207,000 from the Heritage Stimulus Fund, has supported essential repair works which have recently been completed.

This included structural work to stabilise the column, replacing weathered stone, fitting new windows and a cap opening on the roof for weather proofing as well as installing new replica cast metal railings at the top of the column.

Now, after many years of work and investment by bodies including Historic England, Rotherham Council, Fitzwilliam Wentworth Amenity Trust and The Historic Houses Foundation, Keppel’s Column has been restored, re-opened and removed from Historic England’s heritage at risk register.

Events and activities run by the council are being supported by a volunteer group known as the Keppel and Scholes Heritage Group, who are also helping to run tours of the monument.

Councillor David Sheppard, cabinet member for social inclusion, said: “It’s fantastic that Keppel’s Column is now restored and coming off the heritage at risk register.

“We are very grateful to Historic England and the other organisations and groups that have supported the restoration over many years and helped rescue this important part of Rotherham’s heritage.

“What’s special about places like Keppel’s Column is that they are in the middle of the community – and they have this amazing history. There are opportunities now for people to visit the monument and create new memories for years to come.”

Rotherham Council’s museums, arts and heritage manager, Lisa Howarth, said: “We were overwhelmed with the amount of people who wanted to visit the site and look at the work that has been carried out.

“It’s a true testament to how much the monument means to the local community with so many people sharing their memories of time spent here, and we look forward to welcoming many more after the winter season.”

Close by, the Grade II* listed Rockingham Kiln, which closed in 1842, has been added to the register.

The kiln has been added to the register because its condition is declining due to age and lack of use.

The bottle-shaped building is a rare surviving example of its type, and formed part of the Rockingham Pottery which evolved from a works established in 1745.

Historic England is supporting Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council in a plan to bring the site back to life, restoring the Rockingham Kiln and putting it at the heart of community once more.