Pictures of Braithwell

About Braithwell

The borough of Rotherham is one of the administrative districts of Southern Yorkshire, it comprises of a pleasant mix of small townships, hidden hamlets and villages similar to Braithwell.

Braithwell can be found in pleasant countryside just a few miles from Rotherham and lying close to Maltby. It is an old settlement which was recorded in the Doomsday Book as Bradewelle.

The parish church dedicated to St. James is the village's oldest structure, this goes back to Norman times. The tympanum over the south doorway is carved with lattice-work, rings and stars, it is one of only a few left in the country. The addition of an aisle in the 14th century altered the shape of the building. There is a 15th century west tower and a 19th century chancel. Interesting features include the old piscina, a pulpit with panels carved with foliage and flowers, one panel features a man in a robe kneeling at prayer, another bears an inscriptions and the date 1574.

Outside, the appearance of the church sitting serenely in a wooded churchyard amongst ancient graves and tombs, is quite stunning, its strong tower is crowned with graceful pinnacles and to the rear, behind an old stone wall, there is a fresh green lawn with graves of more recent times.

The village also has an interesting War Memorial, this is built mostly of Portland stone and takes the shape of a cross with a sword. It records the dead of World War I and World War II. This is now Grade II listed and can be found on high land in a pleasant conservation area.

Braithwell lies at the centre of a largely rural community, the surrounding landscape is mostly of farms and leafy lanes siding fields full of grazing cattle and sheep. The village itself is a constant delight, it has narrow streets full of traditional stone properties, some of brick and a few of more recent times. It has a few shops, and a noted pub called the Butchers Arms. Visitors find it a friendly place to visit, with many scenic locations.

This is an ideal place to stay for anyone wishing to explore the beautiful Rother Valley, visit historic Roche Abbey or to simply soak up the atmosphere of a ribbon of ancient Yorkshire hamlets, towns and villages.