RUFC - The Guest and Chrimes Site

Rotherham United Chairman, Tony Stewart has today announced the long awaited news that the clubs new stadium will be on the Guest and Chrimes site in Rotherham.

So, what do we know about the sites history?
Listen and I shall tell you . . .

James Payne owned a small factory in Water Lane making water taps while plumber, Peter G Chrimes, made an improvement in the taps. To manufacture them the firm of Guest and Chrimes was founded in 1847 with the business being on the riverbank below the old market place.

In 1857 or 1858 the firm moved to a site at Don Street where no expense with labour or materials was spared to make the best of everything from urinals to sanitary vessels, from fire extinguishing apparatus to washbasins as well as general plumbers and gas fitters` products.

The first floor of the business was used as a showroom while above were spacious warehouses as well as turning and fitting shops. A large number of buildings was given over to the manufacture of gas chandeliers and on the ground floor could be found a water meter testing department. And, it was a strict rule that no goods should ever leave the premises without first having been tested.

There were many other various departments including, the Brass casting shop, Bar Iron Warehouses, Warehouses for Casting, the Coach House and Stable, the Smiths` Shop and Stamping Shop, Carpenters Shop and many more.

In 1861 it is said that around three hundred workmen were employed at Guest and Chrimes.

The building dating from 1857 still exists and part has listed status. Guest & Chrimes closed in 1999 when their new owner moved production to Derbyshire.

So moving right up to the present time. There will be council offices built on, what is now being called the 'old Guest and Chrimes site` and, we now know, a football stadium.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.