Remains Of The College Of Jesus Now Encased Within No 23 College Street And Nos 2, 2A, 4, 6 And 8 Effingham Street

The remains of the College of Jesus, founded in 1482 by Archbishop Thomas Rotherham, are now incorporated into the buildings at 23 College Street and 2, 2A, 4, 6, and 8 Effingham Street in Rotherham. The college was repeatedly altered before being integrated into the present structure, dated 1930 and modified by Flockton of Sheffield. Further fabric was re-exposed during internal remodelling in 1984, but is now again encased.

Three two-storey walls enclose the area occupied by 23 College Street; the roadside wall dates to 1930. The buildings fronting Effingham Street form a wedge-shaped addition, with their rear walls defined by 15th-century fabric. A later third storey covers the 15th-century site. The present roadside elevations are not of particular architectural interest.

A 1984 survey by the County Archaeology Service revealed that the three walls contain large areas of original brickwork, including numerous door openings with brick arches, and moulded window openings. The college, described by Leland as "sumptuously builded of brick,” fell into disrepair following the suppression of chantries in 1547-48 and by 1591. It subsequently survived as a mansion before becoming an inn; the associated buildings were demolished around 1880 when Effingham Street was constructed.

Although fragmentary, the walls of the College of Jesus represent the earliest surviving brick structure in South Yorkshire and were a key element in the development of Rotherham. A 17th-century doorway from the college buildings has been re-erected in Boston Park. Records, notes, and photographs relating to the site are held at the County Ancient Monuments and Sites Record, Sheffield.