Sheffield's 'most endangered building' to be at centre of heritage event
Building has been named as one of Britain’s top 10 most endangered buildings by experts
It is one of Sheffield’s most endangered landmark buildings - and campaigners are highlighting its plight.
Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust is concerned over the state of the 128-year-old St Michael’s Roman Catholic Mortuary Chapel in City Road Cemetery, which has been named as one of Britain’s top 10 most endangered buildings by experts.
The group will be taking people to the site to explain its plight in a guided walking tour on Sunday, September 20, held as part of Sheffield’s Heritage Open Days events, which will take visitors around City Road Cemetery.
The event will explore how cemeteries changed over time in the UK and Sheffield, moving away from private parish churchyards to grand municipal designs.
The 2km walk will have a special focus on the grade II-listed St Michael’s chapel, which Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust aims to save after it was added to the Victorian Society’s list of Britain’s Top 10 Most Endangered Buildings earlier this year.
The charity is exploring the chapel’s repair and reuse, as part of its wider plans to save and bring new life to historic buildings at risk in Sheffield.
They would love to hear stories and ideas from local people. The tour is free to attend but places must be booked in advance by emailing [email protected]
Craig Broadwith, trustee of Sheffield Historic Buildings Trust, said: “City Road Cemetery holds an incredible store of Sheffield's social and architectural history. During this tour, we will visit key graves and memorials to discover the fascinating personal and historical stories associated with them.
“We are also keen to highlight urgent preservation projects such as St Michael’s Chapel, and share our aspirations to secure its future and safeguard Sheffield's heritage.
“Due to the chapel’s fragile state, it will not be possible for visitors to go inside, but they will be able to learn about its history, architecture and future potential from outside.”
The tour starts at 11am.
Designed by Charles Hadfield in 1898, St Michael’s Roman Catholic Cemetery Chapel is said to be a rare surviving example of a building style that is quickly disappearing.
It is one of three chapels originally built within what is Sheffield’s largest municipal cemetery where there were dedicated spaces for different denominations.
It is one of Britain’s Top 10 Endangered Buildings, identified by the Victorian Society in 2026.