History
The Monks of Worksop owned the manor during the reign of Edward II. After the dissolution the manor seems to have passed to the Tempest family, while Ulley Farm and Grange were the Darcy's.
The Name
- It was referred to in the Domesday Book as Ollei and Olleie Pages 21 b, 81 b - ley being a forest or clearing.
- In Kirkbys Inquest it was referred to as Ullay, Ulley Pages 6, 9, 230
- In 1242, it was referred to as 'Ulflay' - wolf wood.
Norman Times
In Norman Times, the townships of Ulley, or Brampton Ulley, and Brampton-en-le-Morthen were in the Parish of Treeton, later a small part was in the parish of Aston.
The Lords of the Manor of Treeton appointed his 'ecclesia persona' to serve, the different townships. Ulley was held by Ricardus de Bernak and later by Dominus Edmundus Wastenays.
Roman Road
Although having a Saxon name, Roman Roads have been discovered cutting through the heart of the village, as well as at Spa Farm, Treeton. Between Ulley and Treeton lies the main Rotherham highway, generally agreed by historians to be on the line of Rickneild Street, a Roman Road adopted by the Saxons.
In 1826 an urn was found on nearby Guilthwaite Common, containing hundreds of Roman coins. When the Commons were enclosed a number of finds were made: spurs, battle axes, and ring posts, for tethering horses. It has been suggested that this was a halting place where the mounts of the Roman Cavalry were rested.
Ulley Brook
A stream named Ulley Brook, which passes under Long Lane, the approach to Treeton , to a footbridge connecting Spa Farm with Guilthwaite Hill Farm was referred to in 1394 as 'the stream of Ulleya'. This was part of the parish boundary. From here it winds its way to Packman's Bridge.
Influential Families
Samuel Buck of Rotherham purchased the Manor of Ulley in 1721.
During the 17th and 18th centuries many influential farming families lived here. The Stone's, Poynton's, Scholey's and Potter's. An 18th century enclosure award map shows the Ulley Grange land to be allotted to Mr. Poynton. A mansion near the Royal Oak Public House, bears the inscription, John and Rebekah Clark, 1718.
Packman's Bridge
Ulley Brook winds its way from Guilthwaite to Packman's Bridge which is near the reservoir. In 1674 it carried the main London to Richmond highway, As the name implies, it has borne the heavily laden pack-mules, which was the transport of the day.
Charitable Bequests
In feudal times the peasants were bound to the lord of the manor, but at least they were protected and looked after. Often they had to depend on charity. One charity was the Poynton Dole. It was a charitable bequest from Robert Poynton. In 1810 records state: To distribute on every St.Thomas' Day amongst the poor of Ulley.
Robert Poyntons wife also set up a charity for taking care of the widows of Ulley and Treeton
More details of
- Elizabeth Poynton's Charity 1899-1948
- Robert Poynton's Charity 1911-1948
Poynton Avenue in Ulley was named after the Poynton's, who were well known in Treeton and Ulley.
Population
| Year | Total Population | Inhabited Houses | Families or Separate Occupiers |
| 1881 | 136 | 34 | - |
| 1891 | 175 | 38 | - |
| 1901 | 225 | - | 42 |
| 1911 | 239 | - | 49 |
Ulley Reservoir
By the early 1860's it had become clear to the Board of Health that Rotherham's springs supply could not be relied upon to adequately provide for Rotherham's needs, and Parliamentary Powers were sought to create an impounding reservoir. In 1874 Ulley Reservoir was completed utilizing the flows of Ulley and Morthern Brooks and this supply, together with a small impoundment on Dalton Beck, was adequate to meet the needs for a further 20 years.
Ulley in 1868
Was described :
"ULLEY, a township in the parishes of Treeton and Aston, in the South division of Strafforth wapentake, in the West Riding County York. 4 miles South-East of Rotherham, and 3 miles North -East of Woodhouse railway station. To the South is Turnshaw Quarry. The Old Hall is now a farmhouse. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of York, value £50. The church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. There are National schools for both sexes. Sir C. Wood is Lord of the Manor."
