15 June 2010

Archaeologists shed light on Sheffield´s cutlery works

An archaeology project, aimed at uncovering some of Sheffield´s water-powered past, is being showcased at an open day hosted by the University of Sheffield´s Department of Archaeology this weekend.

The event will be held at Rivelin Valley on Sunday 20 June 2010 between 11am and 3pm, and will enable members of the public to find out more about excavations that have been carried out by University archaeologists at Holme Head Wheel - a water-powered grinding workshop built in the mid 1700s for making knives and razors.

The open day will feature family activities, including helping to work out what the archaeologists have found and how to wash these finds. There will also be the opportunity to have a go at making iron with Dr Roger Doonan, from the University´s Department of Archaeology.

Members of the public will be able to have a look at the history behind the start of Sheffield's industrial heritage and browse general information about the excavations and project, which is in its fourth year. Students will also be on offer to give tours of the site and further information.

The archaeologists will be joined by `Sheffield Renewables,´ a social enterprise formed by a group of local volunteers who aim to develop renewable energy schemes in and around Sheffield. The group will be explaining their modern hydro electricity projects in Sheffield and showing how an understanding of the water wheels of Sheffield´s industrial heritage is very relevant today as we focus on `green technologies.´

Dr Bob Johnston from the University of Sheffield´s Department of Archaeology and project coordinator, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved and bring Sheffield´s industrial past to life. The project has already allowed us to see where and how the grinders lived, as well as where they worked. We hope to continue to give the public a great insight into part of the history of Sheffield."

Sally Rodgers Project Outreach Officer, said: "There will be lots to see and do and we will also be beginning to collect people´s memories of the water-powered sites in the Rivelin Valley to add to the project´s archive."

The open day is free of charge and there is no need to book. Visitors should arrive any time on Sunday 20 June 2010 between 11am and 3pm.

Notes for Editors: To find out more about Sheffield Renewables, visit the link below.

For further information please contact: Shemina Davis, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2225339 or email shemina.davis@sheffield.ac.uk or Sally Rodgers, Community Archaeologist, on 07932867750 (24 hours)

« Return to news releases