Parkgate, Yorkshire

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Parkgate
Yorkshire
West Riding

Ashwood Road, Parkgate
Location
Grid reference: SK437951
Location: 53°27’4"N, 1°20’31"W
Data
Post town: Rotherham
Postcode: S62
Local Government
Council: Rotherham
Parliamentary
constituency:
Wentworth and Dearne

Parkgate is a village which has become a suburb in the townscape stretching from Rotherham, in West Riding of Yorkshire. It has in the process of development been consumed by its neighbour, Rawmarsh, from which it has been indistinguishable since the early 20th century.

The name 'Parkgate' is said to originate from its location at the end point of the parkland of Wentworth Woodhouse. Although it marks the old entry gates of the parkland, the Wentworth estate stretched far past it, encompassing 90,000 acres of what was beautiful Yorkshire countryside. The area gives its name to the Parkgate Seam, important in the South Yorkshire Coalfield.

The A633 runs through Parkgate.

Parkgate pumping station is a Newcomen engine house, built circa 1823. The building is intact and houses an electric pump.[1]

Transport history

The area was for many years served by Parkgate and Rawmarsh railway station, originally named Rawmarsh which was situated in Parkgate, adjacent to the Park Gate Iron and Steel Company's works. It was constructed by the North Midland Railway and opened in 1840.[2] The station was closed on 1 January 1968.

The area was also served by Parkgate and Aldwarke railway station which was opened in July 1873 by the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway company. The station was originally known as "Aldwarke". The station was closed to passengers on 29 October 1951.

The nearest rail station now is Rotherham Central.

Sheffield Supertram Tram-Train unit at Parkgate tram stop

In 2008 plans were announced for an extension to Sheffield Supertram to Rotherham Central station, and the next year it was decided that the extension would terminate at Parkgate Shopping Centre.[3] Eventually the line opened on 25 October 2018 (only to be temporarily closed after a collision with a lorry on the first day of service).[4][5][6][7][8]

Greasbrough canal below the A633 culvert

The Greasbrough Canal, also known as Earl Fitzwilliam's Canal joins the River Don Navigation at Parkgate. Both are part of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation.

On film

Parkgate and Rawmarsh railway station and the adjoining steel works, together with other locations in the Rotherham area, were featured in the 1958 film Tread Softly Stranger starring Diana Dors. Diana Dors's co-star George Baker is seen arriving at platform 1 of "Rawborough" station.

Sport

References