Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet celebrates new chapter this spring

During the closure period, final works have been completed as part of the Embrace Abbeydale project, the first phase in work to safeguard and enhance this historic city treasure. The project has seen the delivery of a programme of improvements, generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and thanks to National Lottery players.

Visitors will now be able to see brand new additions to the Hamlet, including a newly refurbished new welcome hub, telling the story of the Hamlet and the people who shaped it, and a new nature and heritage inspired timber-framed play area for families to enjoy. These latest developments mark the end of a two-year programme of improvement breathing new life into the site.

Abbeydale Works, as the Hamlet was originally known, is one of the cornerstones of Sheffield industry. With earliest records dating back to the 1700s, the Works was once a producer of agricultural tools and the largest water-powered industrial site on the River Sheaf. Almost all the processes used in the production of blades were carried out on one site. The main industrial features are the tilt forge, the grinding hull and the crucible steel furnace, which is the last complete surviving example in the UK.

In 1935, the site was purchased for the city by the J G Graves Trust and Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet opened as a museum in 1970. Today, the Hamlet comprises a significant group of preserved Grade I and Grade II listed buildings and a Scheduled Monument, offering a fascinating window into Sheffield’s steelmaking past.

Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sheffield City Council and the JG Graves Charitable Trust, work has been underway to safeguard this unique heritage site. The most recent improvements at the Hamlet include:

• Two of the Worker’s Cottages have been refurbished to create a Welcome Hub, including a new exhibition and shop. This space now introduces the story of the Hamlet and the people who lived and worked there through new displays and family activities.
• The opening of the Hamlet’s new play area – made of timber and natural materials, it’s been designed to support imaginative, energetic play for younger visitors.
• A new sensory map of the site has been produced by a local artist, providing an inclusive resource for visitors when exploring the Hamlet. Explorer backpacks are available for families to use during their visit, with binoculars, torch, compass and book.
• The introduction of industrial soundscapes in the Tilt Forge and Crucible Furnace bringing the sounds of the past to life.
• The restoration of the Boring Shop by Sheffield Museums’ talented and dedicated volunteers.

These latest improvements follow on from work over the last two years to complete the restoration of the water wheel which drives the Blowing Engine, the introduction of new information panels telling the Hamlet’s stories, the development of new schools’ workshops and volunteer tours, and work to extend the Hamlet car park.

To mark the reopening of the site and the completion of the Embrace Abbeydale project, visitors are invited to a fun-packed celebration event on Saturday 28 March. On the day visitors will be able to see heritage craft skills in action through a series of demonstrations including glassmaking, weaving, blacksmithing, woodturning, edge tool grinding and more. There will be plenty for families to enjoy, including rag rug making and paper weaving, outdoor games and a trail to help them explore the Hamlet further. Tickets are free, with donations welcome, and must be booked in advance at: sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/heritage-at-the-hamlet-celebration-day/

Alongside the recent improvements to the Hamlet, Sheffield City Council and their contractors Esh Construction are currently undertaking a major repair to the dam that supplies the waterwheels at the site. The repairs will see the water level in the Hamlet millpond restored, enabling the historic waterwheels to turn again.

Kirstie Hamilton, director of programmes at Sheffield Museums said:

“We’re delighted to welcome visitors back to Abbeydale this spring and to mark the completion of the Embrace Abbeydale project, the first phase of a new chapter for the Hamlet. The site is unique testament to Sheffield’s pioneering industrial history and one the city’s most significant heritage treasures.”

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet reopens on Thursday March 26– entry to the Hamlet is free, suggested donation £5.