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Scunthorpe – a Town on the Up

Words: Josie Thurston Photographs: John Smith

Records dating back as far as the Domesday Book reveal that Scunthorpe took its name from the hamlet Escumtorp, meaning ‘the farmstead belonging to a man called Skuma.’

Evidence points to early settlements emerging during the early Bronze age, but it was a whole four thousand years later before the population grew to any significance, when rich beds of ironstone were re-discovered. The Roman occupation originally found the deposits but they lay forgotten until 1859, when Roland Winn stumbled across the ore on his father’s land.

Prior to this encounter, Scunthorpe had largely been an agricultural town, but having iron in the town resulted in the development of an iron and steel industry and a rapid growth in population. The now booming town was in desperate need of a rail link to transport the ore and Winn campaigned tirelessly and by1864 the connection was complete.

The success of the industry that Winn brought to the town is remembered in three street names – Rowland Road, Winn Street and Oswald Road. Winn assumed the title Lord St Oswald in 1885. In 1936, the present town emerged as the five villages of Ashby, Brumby, Frodingham, Scunthorpe and Crosby combined together. By the 1970s the population had risen to 60,000 people. Today, the population has reached 70,000.

Scunthorpe Today

The steel industry today is still evident in the form of its largest operator – Corus. It is still the major employer in the town but it has shrunk since the closure of Normanby Park works and the Redbourne complex. Associated industries are still very much a part of the town in the form of engineering, alongside food production, distribution and retailing.

Shopping

The Foundry Shopping Centre is nestled at the very heart of the town centre and is well positioned for easy access by all modes of transport. High Street names can be found in the centre, such as Boots, W H Smith, Jessops, Dorothy Perkins, New Look, Holland and Barratt and many specialist shops covering all aspects from florists to perfume.

There is also an excellent choice of refreshments, whether you are in a hurry or have time to relax, there is something to suit every occasion. The shopping centre is child friendly and will be host to a fantastic Christmas animated display this season.

Another centre close by is The Parishes. This was opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth II and provides a modern shopping experience created around a pedestrian walkway, with easy access to the multi-storey car park and seven-screen cinema.

The High Street itself is also bursting with interesting chain stores, including Marks & Spencer and Bhs. There are also independent shops selling high quality, branded clothing.

The Streets is Scunthorpe’s speciality shopping and café area. In this part of the town you will find some excellent bistros and cafes serving a wide variety of cuisine. If you have a bigger appetite and require something more substantial, why not take a trip to Ravendale Street, which is fast becoming the culinary centre of the town. Here, restaurants have flourished and serve the most delightful speciality foods. If you are looking for boutiques, then head for Mary Street. Whether it is children’s clothing or lingerie, you will find it here. Mostly independent, the shops all have that unique charm often lacking in the bigger chains.

Sport

Scunthorpe United (The Iron) play at Glanford Park. Relatively new as a team, beginning in 1950 it struggled for many years until this year, when it achieved a place in the Championship League – a first for forty-five years. There is also a speedway team – the Scunthorpe Scorpions, who compete in the British Conference League. Although they have only been running since 2005, they have already won the Conference League in 2006.

Scunthorpe Market

Scunthorpe market has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and stocks some of the freshest produce in town. Butchers and fishmongers sell the finest cuts and can prepare the meat or fish freshly for you. There are also quality clothing stalls and shoe stalls mixed with the traditional fresh vegetable stalls. You can also find a selection of power tools and fine china!