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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.

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***The Hamlet is currently closed for the winter until spring 2025. During this time, we'll be continuing work on Embrace Abbeydale, a two-year programme of improvement works generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.***

Joni, the Hamlet cafe, is open daily throughout the winter

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Abbeydale Road South

Sheffield

S7 2QW

Tilt Forge

© Ian M Spooner

  • Tilt Forge

    © Ian M Spooner

  • © Ian M Spooner

  • © Ian M Spooner

  • © Ian M Spooner

  • © Ian M Spooner

  • © Richard Connolly

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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.

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