The house was built for a founding partner of the Walker Ironworks, which supplied cannonballs during the Napoleonic Wars.
The Rockingham Pottery collection housed here is internationally recognized for its high-quality porcelain and the 'Cadogan' teapot.
During the Second World War, Clifton House was used by the military and later became a maternity home.
The museum grounds contain a memorial to the victims of the 1904 Maltby Main Colliery disaster.
The building was purchased by Rotherham Corporation in 1891, converting the surrounding grounds into a public park.
Clifton Park Museum is housed in Clifton House, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion built in 1783 for Joshua Walker. The museum serves as the primary repository for the history of the Metropolitan Borough of Rotherham. Permanent galleries showcase the Roman history of the region, focusing on the Templeborough Roman fort. Visitors can view extensive collections of Rockingham Pottery, which was manufactured locally between 1826 and 1842. The exhibits detail the industrial evolution of the Don and Rother valleys, including the impact of steel and coal mining. The site features the restored 18th-century landscape of Clifton Park surrounding the main building. Interactive displays allow for hands-on exploration of local social and domestic life over several centuries. The house itself retains original architectural features from the late 18th-century period. It functions as a community hub hosting educational workshops and temporary local history exhibitions.
The grand Georgian staircase and the detailed stained glass window in the main hall.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Clifton Park to see the water play area and historic gardens.
Check the local council website for rotating temporary exhibitions before visiting as these change frequently.
Ask staff about the guided tours of the house's basement for a glimpse into the building's servant history.
Assuming the museum is purely a fine art gallery; focus is on local industrial and social history.
Closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays.
