Bolton Upon Dearne

An example of the use of Mexborough Rock in Bolton upon Dearne

As an ex-coal mining region, many of the villages in South Yorkshire - which are mentioned in Domesday Book - have been changed beyond recognition, with their mediaeval cores being engulfed by houses thrown up to accommodate the miners and their families.

An old Ordnance Survey map of Bolton upon Dearne

I first came across Bolton upon Dearne during a survey of potential RIGS (Regionally Important Geological Sites) in Rotherham and Barnsley, when I had just passed through the wasteland left by Manvers Main Colliery – it's main source of employment - and I couldn't recall seeing anything that would make me want to stop there.

The geological setting of Bolton upon Dearne

When undertaking research on churches in Laughton-en-le-Morthen, Conisbrough and Maltby, however, I discovered that St. Andrew the Apostle has substantial Saxon remains and, continuing with my investigation of the historic buildings of South Yorkshire by public transport, I decided to take a very quick look around its exterior on a bright sunny day.

A general view of St. Andrew the Apostle's church