Roundwood Colliery

Coal gathering in the Aldwarke area, lands of the old manor which stretch across the Don Valley from Parkgate to Thrybergh, goes back to the 17th century with documents relating to tenants' rights of way over the grounds and the river Dunne (Don) at Aldwarke ford, on both sides of river; and to any person fetching coals from pits.

Earlier records still refer to charkcole (charcoal) to be cut in Rounde woodde near Aldwarke Manor house.

It was established in the early 1860s and had connections to both railways and to staithes alongside the River Don.

[1] These collieries being joined by a railway built by the owners and known as John Brown's Private Railway and over which a Paddy Mail service operated until the 1930s when it was discontinued in favour of "pit buses" which were operated by private companies and, later Rotherham Corporation.

[2] This underground joining of the collieries meant that the drawing of coal could be concentrated at Silverwood and the Roundwood shafts used for materials and men.