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Two rusting tilt forge hammers mounted on huge old timber shafts with gearwheel drive mechanisms in the background. Two rusting tilt forge hammers mounted on huge old timber shafts with gearwheel drive mechanisms in the background.

© Ian M Spooner

© Ian M Spooner

Tilt Forge

Continuing Display

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

See the two massive tilt hammers housed inside the Tilt Forge.

 

Built in 1785, the Tilt Forge hammers were driven by the site's main waterwheel. The forgemaster and hammer man would sits before them, making crown scythes; this was done by forge-welding a piece of crucible steel between two pieces of wrought iron, like a sandwich.

After plating, the scythe went to the hand forgers for finishing in one of the small forges in the courtyard.

Free Entry | Please Donate £5

Opening Times

Thu–Sat 10am–4pm | Sun 11am–4pm

Closed Mondays including Bank Holidays

Joni, the Hamlet cafe, is open daily

There will be no access to the lower car park on Mon 15 and Tue 16 Sep while we begin work to improve it and extend its capacity

During this time, free on-road parking is available just along Abbeydale Road South – please avoid parking on the residential roads nearby as this can obstruct access for emergency vehicles.

***There is currently no access to the Manager's House while we make improvements to the Hamlet***

***The All About Abbeydale displays are closed while we introduce a new welcome area at the Hamlet – we look forward to welcoming you to the new space when the redevelopment work is complete***

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Abbeydale Road South

Sheffield

S7 2QW

Tilt Forge

© Ian M Spooner

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See Sheffield’s knife grinding history brought to life at Shepherd Wheel Workshop.

Experience the working waterwheel and machinery in action, see the tools of the trade and hear stories about the grinders who worked here over the centuries.

Find out more