Grinding Hull

See where edge tools were sharpened to a fine cutting edge in the Grinding Hull.

The Hull was built in 1817, and originally housed 6 grindstones and 2 glazing stones, all powered by a waterwheel. The stones were 6 feet in diameter when new and hung in a trough filled with water to keep the stone wet when grinding.

Grinding was a very dangerous occupation, with the grinder sat astride a wooden horsing, or saddle, over the stone and held the blade against the stone as it spun round.

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Opening Times

Until 31 Oct:

Thu–Sat 10am–4pm | Sun 11am–4pm

From 1 Nov:

Sat 10am–3pm | Sun 11am–3pm

The museums will be closed on Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec

Closed 25 Dec – 6 Jan for the festive period

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Abbeydale Road South

Sheffield

S7 2QW

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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