In 1164 it was spelt Mordings.
In 1345 this hamlet was referred to as Morthyng
Morthen meaning 'moorland district with a common assembly'.
In 1345 the Court of the Wapentake was held here at Morthen, i.e. an Area Assembly, where the local chieftains would meet. These 'open air courts' were held in June, and were the social event of the year. Those at the muster had to touch weapons with the King's representative as a show of loyalty.
These have been referred to as Tourneberg described as 'the hill where the tourn or court was held'.
Records show that these meetings were held in a meadow of 4 acres, shown on old maps as Turn Ing - this is to the east of Upper Whiston, alongside the road which became known as part of Rickneild Street.
Described in 1822 as being a hamlet in the township of Whiston, and in the parishes of Whiston and Rotherham, in the upper-division of Strafforth and Tickhill.
Morthen Hall, was the seat of Nicholas Timm. Situated 4 miles south-east of Rotherham, 9 miles from from Sheffield, and 11 miles from Tickhill.
A Georgian mansion in Morthen was the home of John Carver the Rector of Treeton, in 1773.
Extract from 1856 directory of Sheffield
Described as a hamlet in the parish of WhistonFarmers
Thomas CuttsAnn Ellison
George Ellison
Matthew Kirk
John Parkin
William Thompson
Thomas Swan
Jas White, also Maltster
John White
Archaeological heritage
Medieval Cross
Remains of Medieval Cross (probably wayside) possibly not in situ. Corner of Morthen Hall Lane, where it joins York Lane.Prehistoric Or Roman Enclosure
Cropmark of a possible sub-square, ditched enclosure containing an internal division and a possible circular, ditched enclosure (?hut circle). Possible prehistoric/Roman date. Between Field Lane and Brampton LaneRectilinear Enclosure
Cropmark of one, possibly more, rectilinear, ditched enclosures. Date uncertain. Adjacent to Field Lane.Neolithic
A Neolithic polished stone axe was found in 1923 west of Morthen village. The findspot, at SK 47248935, was pointed out to an Ordnance Survey field investigator by the farmer, Mr Lawrence Thickett, of Grange Farm Morthen, who lent the axe to Rotherham Museum. The axe is apparently jadeite or similar.A Neolithic polished stone axe from Royds Moor Farm is in Rotherham Museum. The field centred at SK 46568999 was pointed out as the find spot to an Ordnance Survey field investigator by the farmer, Mr. G. Thickett, of Royd's Moor Farm. The axe was found in circa 1935 after ploughing.