Bailey Bridge over the River Don
Location/Address
Bailey Bridge over the River Don, Eastwood
S65 3SH
Type
Other site, structure or landscape
Assets that cannot fit any of the other categories. This category includes sites of archaeological interest, where the original form and function may not be apparent without the use of archaeological techniques and interpretation.
Description
In February 2016 the Rotherham District Civic Society unveiled a Blue Plaque at the Thomas Rotherham College in memory of Sir Donald Coleman Bailey, O.B.E. Born in Albany Street, Rotherham in 1901, and a pupil at the Rotherham Grammar School, Sir Donald was responsible for the invention of the Bailey Bridge which was so vital to the success of the Allied Forces in World War II.
Whilst employed to great effect in Europe and around the World, the Bailey Bridge at Eastwood is one of the few surviving examples of the design remaining in South Yorkshire. It was acquired from Army stocks at a cost of £300 and erected in 1947 with Rawmarsh Urban District Council and Rotherham Corporation sharing the cost. It was totally refurbished and rebuilt in 1992 by RMBC and the Territorial Army.
The Rotherham District Civic Society is of the opinion that its long term retention, by inclusion in the Local List, not only represents a fitting memorial to the engineering genius of a 'famous Rotherham son' but also provides a testament to the skills of local firms, the Parkgate Iron & Steel Company and Robert Jenkins Ltd, which were involved in the manufacture of Bailey Bridge components throughout the War.
Statement of Significance
Historic Interest
Date Listed
23 May 2024
Last Updated
23 May 2024
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