Standing out against the skyline
and proclaiming one of the most ‘conspicuous’ parts of South Yorkshire, is Hoyland Lowe Stand. A Grade 2 listed building which if it could speak, would tell of fascinating stories, relating to this
corner of England, of the life of well known people, historical events, the civil war, pageants and feasts.
The First Marquis of Rockingham’s
commission, is in a class of it’s own, Hoyland Lowe Stand is built of stone, the main block consisting of two stories
with a flat roof which is reached by a number of stone steps. Built around 1750AD,
the stand most likely served as a Huntsman’s lodge and observation point during local hunts and gatherings- nearby Tankersley
and Wentworth Parks were well noted for their run of Red Deer. Built on a parcel
of land, to which the stand may owe it’s name (Lowe – the Norman name for ‘Hill’), it towers over
600 feet above sea level, and is stated to be one of the highest points from Hoyland, eastwards to the North Sea.
Spreading at it’s feet
are the Dove & Dearne Valleys to the East, the gently sloping contours of the Pennine Range to the West. The view to the South is more Industrialised with views of the ever shrinking factories and workshops of
Sheffield and Rotherham. Nevertheless, the view North is unsurpassed- on a clear
day, a host of parish church spires and towers may be seen. Wakefield Cathedral,
York Minster and various other places of interest are amongst the splendid views.
Recently, Lowe Stand was the
property of the Dearne Valley Water Board, who eventually transferred the ownership to Hoyland UDC, as part of the land was
used for the construction of a large underground water reservoir – which still exists today. It was the Council’s wish that the Stand be preserved as an historical building, but during the past
2 Decades, it has fallen into a state of disrepair. The lead covered ball and
point on the top of the Stand has disappeared, and doors which were once blocked up to secure the building have now been knocked
down, leaving the Stand open to abuse and further structural damage.
Hoyland Lowe Stand now stands
alone, with no maintenance programme in place, falling ever more into ruin.
