Abbeyfield House and Park
© Picture Sheffield, Sheffield Libraries © Carl Rose The house and gardens were bought in 1909 after Wake's death by Sheffield Corporation to create a park for local people. It appears to have been quite a controversial decision. At that time there was a debate within the corporation over whether there were enough green spaces in Sheffield. Some said that there were too many parks in the city, however the opening to the public was well received. A local newspaper of the time described how people flocked to view the new park and catch a glimpse of what life was like for the upper classes, in what had previously been a private place. Since the early 1900's 1900s, the grounds have been continuously managed as a park, but the house has been used for a variety of purposes. It first became a centre for teaching domestic work, or training servants. During the First World War it housed Firshill School Infants Department, when the school itself was taken over by military authorities as a hospital. Then it became part of Firth Park Grammar School between 1918 and 1926 before being converted into three separate flats for caretakers. It is now used as office space for several community organisations. In July each year, the park becomes the centre for the biggest community event in Burngreave's calendar, the Abbeyfield Multicultural Festival. |