Blue Plaque - Sir Donald Coleman Bailey (1901-1985)

The Blue Plaque commemorating Sir Donald Coleman Bailey (1901-1985) is a significant historical marker located on the facade of Thomas College on Moorgate Road in Rotherham. This plaque honours one of Britain's most inventive civil engineers, celebrated for his design of the Bailey bridge. A modular, pre-fabricated truss bridge, the Bailey bridge proved indispensable during World War II, enabling Allied forces to rapidly cross rivers and ravines, thus significantly contributing to the war effort and saving countless lives. Bailey's profound impact on military engineering earned him a knighthood.

As part of Rotherham's rich heritage, the plaque provides an accessible and educational tribute to Bailey's genius and his connection to the region. It invites visitors to pause and appreciate the ingenuity and legacy of a man whose engineering prowess had a global reach. Blue plaques play a vital role in local heritage, ensuring that the stories of remarkable individuals and their contributions are preserved and highlighted for current and future generations.

Visiting Information

The blue plaque can be viewed during the indicative opening hours of Thomas College, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that the plaque is an outdoor feature, but these hours relate to the general vicinity. Accessibility features and payment options are not specified for this historical marker.