Join in a huge celebration of South Yorkshire's historic heritage

South Yorkshire is once again celebrating its rich history with hundreds of events running as part of Heritage Open Days from September 13 to 22.
Scouts are well to the fore in the Penistone Hospital Parade, possibly in 1925. The photograph was donated to the Scouts Archive by Brenda Clark, daughter of Penistone Scout William G JulianScouts are well to the fore in the Penistone Hospital Parade, possibly in 1925. The photograph was donated to the Scouts Archive by Brenda Clark, daughter of Penistone Scout William G Julian
Scouts are well to the fore in the Penistone Hospital Parade, possibly in 1925. The photograph was donated to the Scouts Archive by Brenda Clark, daughter of Penistone Scout William G Julian

In Sheffield alone, there are 250 organisations putting on events to choose from for the popular festival, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Here are three ideas for visits, with more in the picture captions.

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Visitors can see South Yorkshire Scout Archive, based at Hesley Wood Scout Activity Centre in Chapeltown.

Visitors to Wentworth Woodhousem near Rotherham can tour the formal state rooms or see the private family quartersVisitors to Wentworth Woodhousem near Rotherham can tour the formal state rooms or see the private family quarters
Visitors to Wentworth Woodhousem near Rotherham can tour the formal state rooms or see the private family quarters

“Our formal records go back to 1909 and we are regularly consulted by scout groups wanting to confirm their centenary,” said Geoff Stevens of the archive team.

“We also have some fascinating material, such as handwritten letters from Countess Maud Fitzwiliam of Wentworth Woodhouse when she was the scout district commissioner, and a letter from Lord Baden-Powell expressing his annoyance at being invited to “meet a few Scouts around the corner”, only to find the local mayor and dignitaries waiting in an unscheduled reception!”

These items, with old records, badge and stamp collections, scrapbooks, photographs and scouting memorabilia, will be on show on September 19 from 10am to 4pm.

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Email [email protected] to book a slot, with each one starting on the hour.

Senior gardener Sally Johnson pictured at Wentworth Castle Gardens near Barnsley, where visitors can explore 63 acresSenior gardener Sally Johnson pictured at Wentworth Castle Gardens near Barnsley, where visitors can explore 63 acres
Senior gardener Sally Johnson pictured at Wentworth Castle Gardens near Barnsley, where visitors can explore 63 acres

Thousands of M1 motorists catch a glimpse of Rotherham stately home Thundercliffe Grange every day.

But rarely is it seen from any other perspective.

This will change on Sunday, September 15 when the lovely 18th-century house in Grange Lane, Kimberworth opens to the public.

The history of the grange dates back to iron ore manufacture by the medieval monks of Kirkstead Abbey.

Paradise Square, Sheffield, once a centre for protest and huge gatherings, is the starting point of a Sheffield Troublemaker's WalkParadise Square, Sheffield, once a centre for protest and huge gatherings, is the starting point of a Sheffield Troublemaker's Walk
Paradise Square, Sheffield, once a centre for protest and huge gatherings, is the starting point of a Sheffield Troublemaker's Walk
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When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, the land passed to local family the Rokebys and on to their descendants.

The grade-II listed building was built in 1777 by the architect John Platt for the 3rd Earl of Effingham.

The house later became a Victorian ladies' sanatorium, then a home for children with severe disabilities.

In 1980 it was bought by a group of friends and colleagues and transformed into 12 self-contained homes. Residents share the grounds and communal rooms.

The Montgomery theatre in Sheffield city centre is taking part in Heritage Open Days, including a community theatre exhibiton with more pictures like this oneThe Montgomery theatre in Sheffield city centre is taking part in Heritage Open Days, including a community theatre exhibiton with more pictures like this one
The Montgomery theatre in Sheffield city centre is taking part in Heritage Open Days, including a community theatre exhibiton with more pictures like this one
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The event will also mark the launch of the first-ever book chronicling the history of Thundercliffe Grange and its occupants.

Resident Peter Feek, a retired history teacher, is the author of Thundercliffe Grange – an eclectic history of a house and its people.

Free tours of the public areas of the house and grounds run from 10.30am, with the last tour at 3.30pm.

Booking in advance is only required for groups of 12 or more.

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The Montgomery theatre in Surrey Street, Sheffield city centre is hosting events on Saturday, September 14 from 10am to 3pm.

Delve into the city’s theatrical past and celebrate the theatre companies that have graced the stage over the past 130 years.

Head to Fagan's on Broad Lane for a walking tour of Sheffield city centre heritage pubsHead to Fagan's on Broad Lane for a walking tour of Sheffield city centre heritage pubs
Head to Fagan's on Broad Lane for a walking tour of Sheffield city centre heritage pubs

Take a trip down memory lane with a community theatre exhibition, or join a theatre tour and meet the Bustle Lady to hear all about what an evening out at the theatre was like for Sheffield Victorian audiences.

There is a children's craft station, making cotton reel dolls.

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Events are free and open to everyone, but book in advance for the tour and talk.

The Friends of The Montgomery will be serving serving refreshments.

For full listings and booking details of all Heritage Open Days events, go to www.heritageopendays.org.uk