Grade II-listed 250-year-old landmark in South Yorkshire set to be restored and opened to the public

The 35 metre tall Keppel’s Column, between Wentworth and Kimberworth will be strengthened, missing steps will be repaired or replaced, and the viewing platform will be accessible to the public for the first time since the 1960s.

The column, dating back to 1773, is on Historic England Heritage’s at risk register, and is in “critical condition” and need to be repaired “urgently”, according to planning documents.

A report by Soul Architects Limited states that the column was stabilised in 1998, and plans were made in 2001 and 2004 to repair the landmark, but were dropped due to the cost.

The report states: “There is no doubt that Keppels Column is of national historical and architectural significance with connections to the historic Wentworth Estate.

“The column is now in critical condition. Conservation focused repairs and structural stabilisation are urgently required to avoid further loss of fabric.”

Rotherham Borough Council, who is responsible for the monument, has received a grant from Historic England to carry out the much needed works.

Keppel’s Coulmn was commissioned in 1773 by Charles Watson Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham to commemorate the acquittal of Admiral Augustus Keppel following the Battle of Ushant, and was completed in 1780.

Plans were submitted the Rotherham Council in January 2021, and the authority is set to decide on planning permission.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.