LOCAL HISTORY
Hidden away in Wath Wood sits the unassuming Waterloo Kiln, a moss-covered bottle shaped structure that many people would just pass by.
But not only is this believed to be the only surviving 19th century pottery kiln in Yorkshire, it is also a residual reminder of the internationally renowned Rockingham Pottery which put Swinton on the global map.
There has been a pottery works on the site since 1745 when land was rented from Thomas Watson-Wentworth, 1st Marquess of Rockingham.
“The Waterloo Kiln
while Brameld was a fine potter, his business acumen left a lot to be desired. The site was heavily supported by the Fitzwilliams throughout the early 19th century.
was built in 1815 – the same year as the Battle of Waterloo, thus leading to its name – and was to be used for firing and glazing
”
It changed ownership various times over the next 50 years but production came to standstill by 1801. Part-owner at the time, John Brameld, appealed to the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam for help who provided a £2,000 loan to enable Brameld to buy the business outright from Leeds Pottery.
Under the Brameld era, the site was enlarged to increase production of the popular thick ‘Brown China’ earthenware with a high-shine lead glaze. The Waterloo Kiln was built in 1815 – the same year as the Battle of Waterloo, thus leading to its name – and was to be used to firing and glazing. However,
By the 1820s, the Bramelds had started experimenting with fine porcelain which elevated their profile but put even greater financial strain on the business. By 1826, they were on the brink of bankruptcy. However, seeing the potential of this new-era of production, the Earl bailed out the business once more, leading to its rebrand under the Rockingham Pottery name in his honour. Most people in Rotherham will have seen or heard of the finest piece synonymous with Rockingham Pottery – the Rhinoceros Vase. Standing over 3ft tall, this elaborately designed vase is the largest piece of pottery fired in one piece and the Bramelds made two; one which is now in Clifton Park Museum and the other at the V&A Museum in London.
Their style was heavily decorated, somewhat
gaudy, and garnered the attention of high society across the world. Indeed, many guests staying with the Earl at Wentworth Woodhouse would visit the pottery works to see the beautifully glossy milk- white porcelain in production.
They gained the Royal seal of approval when
King William IV ordered a full dessert service that took eight years to make. But this would become the icing on the cake for their demise; the set was
never paid for and led to bankruptcy. The third Earl Fitzwilliam seized all assets to clear their debts in the 1840s. A door and windows were added to Waterloo Kiln which became a house before it was used as an isolation hospital for smallpox patients. At the Waterloo Kiln and Pottery Ponds at Swinton, artist Carlos Cortes has developed an art installation within the kiln, working with local schools and communities to create new life- size interpretations of the famous Rhinoceros Vase. There will also be a special trail of golden rhinoceros for children and families around the site.
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 53
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
