How part of Mary Queen of Scots's Sheffield prison may be protected for the future
Historic Sheffield site dates back the the 1570s and had Royal prisoner
Plans are being drawn up to protect one of Sheffield’s most significant historic buildings.
The Sheffield Manor Lodge Turret House dates back to the 1570, and was part of the site where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner in the city during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Now there are plans drawn up for a new modern fire alarm system to be installed at the famous city landmark.
The Turret House is Grade II listed building and is part of the Sheffield Manor Lodge site, which is leased from Sheffield Council by The Green Estate community interest company.
They have applied to Sheffield Council for planning permission because they need the council’s agreement for the work because of the listed status of the building.
A Heritage Impact Statement submitted with the application, by Dr Hannah Wallace states: “A Heritage Statement and Condition Survey of the site was prepared in 2025 by Caroe Architecture.
“This detailed survey work has ensured that The Green Estate CIC has been able to mitigate any interventions on the original 16th-century fabric of the building.
”The proposed fire alarm system upgrade has been designed to minimise impact on the historic fabric where possible. All installations will be made into late 19th and 20th century interventions rather than the original 16th-century fabric of the building, to preserve the its historical significance.”
It said the places where the wiring will go were chosen to avoid spoiling how the building looks inside.
Joined Up Heritage Sheffield describes the Turret House as the only roofed building of all the places were Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned which she would recognise if she were to return today.