Waterwheels

The works’ tilt hammers, blowing engine, grindstones and boring machinery were powered by huge waterwheels, fed by the water from the River Sheaf through the dam.

The wheels range in size, the largest spanning 18ft in diameter, which would generate around 30 horsepower. You can regularly see the waterwheels in action today.

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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

Waterwheel

© Andy Brown
© Ian M Spooner
© Ian M Spooner
© Ian M Spooner
© Ian M Spooner
© 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