The story of how Sheffield rose to worldwide acclaim for manufacturing steel and cutlery is brought vividly alive at one of its most historic sites. Andrew Vine looks at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet.
Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Abbeydale Road South, Beauchief, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Pictured The Grinding Hull. Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James Hardisty.
But it was more everyday items that forged the hamlet’s place in Sheffield’s history. Agricultural tools, especially scythes, were made here by highly-skilled craftsmen working at the blowing engine, grindstones and boring machinery powered by huge waterwheels, fed by the River Sheaf through the site’s dam. The biggest of the wheels, 18ft in diameter, would generate about 30 horsepower.
Water power drove the development of industry in Sheffield, especially the early manufacture of cutlery that made the city world famous, with the rivers supporting more than 160 mills in the 17th and 18th century before steam engines provided the main power source. The Abbeydale Works was the largest-water powered site on the Sheaf, and its records go back to 1713. It expanded in the decades that followed and remained in production until 1933 when the firm of Tyzack Sons and Turner, which had been tenants since 1849, relocated.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sheffield United confirm tragic death of Maddy Cusack aged 27Cusack was both a player and marketing executive at the South Yorkshire club.
Read more »
Tributes paid to Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack after she dies aged 27Former striker Billy Sharp described Maddy Cusack, a former England youth international, as a 'lovely girl'
Read more »
Sheffield United ‘devastated’ by death of player Maddy Cusack aged 27Maddy Cusack was a popular player at Sheffield United thanks to her professionalism and personality and will be 'sadly missed' by staff at Bramall Lane, the club said
Read more »
Major official Newcastle United injury update on Friday - Ahead of Sheffield United matchAhead of Sheffield United match - Major official Newcastle United injury update on Friday
Read more »
Watch the Eddie Howe Sheffield United Press Conference hereNewcastle United at Bramall Lane on Sunday - Watch the Eddie Howe Sheffield United Press Conference here.
Read more »