In the 1820s Rotherham was described as being situated near the conflux of the rivers Rother and Don; the latter of which being navigable to Sheffield, and communicating with canals and rivers, opens a water communication with all the principal towns in the county; as well as Lincolnshire and Lancashire. The town is far fron elegant; the streets are narrow, and irregular; and the houses have, in general, a dull and dingy appearance. However, a considerable trade is here carried on in coals, an in other articles, by means of the river Don.