John's Introduction to the History Project (2007)

The History Project which has been taking place in Kiveton Park and Wales has now reached its end - although the History Society will be continuing the good work! This project has been first-and-foremost about the mining heritage of this area. As such we have interviewed dozens of miners and collected many documents relating to the pits. Rotherham Borough Archives will ensure they are preserved and saved for future generations. We have collected lots of objects, from pit lamps to miners' soap. These have been photographed and you can see some of them, many together with their owners, in the digital museum on this website. Take time to download some of the digital books which the project has published, including Michael Sampson's excellent history of mining in this area.

The project has also been about how communities have developed around the mining industry and as such we hope we have provided insights into the wider histories of Kiveton Park and Wales over the last 150 years. From 1950s cinema posters and 1930s "Boothies" bus timetables to photographs of 1990s carnivals and 1980s newspapers, this website contains much about what it has been like to live in mining communities as well as actually working at the pits.

Our thanks go to everyone who has contributed to this Project, whether through giving us objects, photographs, memories or by coming to events and offering us your support. Particular gratitude is due to the volunteers who have made it possible, the Development Trust which organised and supported the project, Green Sheep Design who have designed this website and the Heritage Lottery Fund which provided the funding to make it happen. We owe thanks to lots of local groups and institutions, including the schools, which have been very welcoming and supportive.

The History Society has grown considerably during the Project and it will be the History Society which takes responsibility for this site and ensures it is kept running and added to in the future. To join the History Society please send a cheque for £10 (full membership) or £2 (associate membership) to the History Society, c/o Old Colliery Offices, Colliery Road, Kiveton Park, S26 6LR, or drop a note and cheque (or cash in an envelope) into Kiveton Park Library, Wales Road, Kiveton Park.

John Tanner
Project Manager, Kiveton Park and Wales History Project
Secretary, Kiveton Park and Wales History Society

Ken's Introduction to the History Society (2009)

During the last two or three years the Kiveton and Wales History Society has flourished, going from strength to strength thanks to the enthusiasm and sheer hard work of its members.

Without their tenacity and dedication the preparation of the information which is included on this web site would not have been possible.

Whilst we now have a comprehensive view of our community's history over the last two hundred years our work remains unfinished and will remain so over the forthcoming years as we become part of Kiveton and Wales history ourselves.

We will therefore always require more members and you are all welcome to join our group and enjoy participating in the society's many and varied activities.


Ken Chapman (Second from left)
Chair, Kiveton Park & Wales History Society