Rawmarsh

History

The name has gone through many changes since being recorded as "Rodemesc" in the Domesday Book and "Raumersche" in 1355. The name is of dual origin, "Rode" is from the Old Norse for "red", while the second element is from Old English mersc "Marsh". This led to "Red Marsh", from its situation in the Permian System of red sandstones and marls which run through the area. Localised clays outcrop and the area was formerly known for its potteries. At the beginning of the 20th century Rawmarsh was described as "an increasing parish" and included the outlying hamlets of Parkgate, Stubbin and Upper Haugh. In 1851 the population was 2,533 but 50 years later this had increased to 14,587. In 1961, the population was 19,700 but, forty years later, at the 2001 census it had reduced to 17,443. Rawmarsh has laid claim to the title of being the largest village in England; however this claim is unsubstantiated and there are indeed many settlements that make this claim. Primarily a residential area, Rawmarsh is known for its church, Rawmarsh St Mary's Parish Church, which dominates the view at the top of Rawmarsh Hill. There has been a church in the town since Norman times (c.1127) but the earliest recorded rector was William de Sutton who was instituted on 6 June 1227. The current church was completed in 1838 when the tower was increased in height and the rest rebuilt, James Pigott Pritchett being the architect. In 1869, the tower began to collapse and was rebuilt incorporating features of the original Norman doorway. In 1894 the sanctuary was enlarged and the vestry, organ chamber and north porch were added. The present sanctuary was repaved in 1977 in memory of Canon Scovell, who is also remembered as a street name in the town; the font is Perpendicular in style and is from the…

Most-observed species

• Common Wood-Pigeon

  Columba palumbus Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  17,506
• European Robin

  Erithacus rubecula (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  15,661
• Eurasian Blackbird

  Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  15,650
• Eurasian Magpie

  Pica pica (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  13,888
• Carrion Crow

  Corvus corone Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  13,733
• Eurasian Blue Tit

  Cyanistes caeruleus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  13,625
• Mallard

  Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  11,578
• European Goldfinch

  Carduelis carduelis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  10,903

Most recent

• M 2.7 — 2023-06-28
  2 km SE of Cheadle, United Kingdom
• M 4.1 — 2018-06-09
  7 km NNE of Withernsea, United Kingdom
• M 2.8 — 2015-09-22
  2 km W of Cottesmore, United Kingdom
• M 3.8 — 2015-01-28
  2 km WSW of Market Overton, United Kingdom
• M 2.6 — 2014-10-28
  2 km NNE of Hucknall, United Kingdom
• M 3.5 — 2014-04-18
  3 km WSW of Market Overton, United Kingdom