Record Details

Summary

Features associated with the Nursery Wire Works, constructed in the 1850s. Later operated as a succession of steel works

Monument Type(s):

• CEMENTATION FURNACE (Industrial to Modern - 1850 AD to 1915 AD)
• WIRE MILL (Industrial to Modern - 1850 AD to 1915 AD)
• STEEL WORKS (Modern - 1915 AD to 1970 AD?)

Associated Finds:

Full Description

<1> The Nursery Wire Works was constructed c1850 by the Cocker Brothers, steel converters and refiners and manufacturers of files, wire, needles, hackles, pins and spiral springs. They were related to the firm of John Cocker and son, who operated a nearby site at Blonk Street. By the early 20th century the site contained both cementation and crucible furnaces, indicating that the industrial process was integrated on site. It is not clear if both types of furnace were in existence from the 1850s however. From c1915 and through much of the 20th century a number of steel and tool producers operated at the site. The works at this time were known as the Perseverance Steel Works and later the Sentinel Steel Works. Between 1954 and 1976 the works were demolished and the site remained empty.

<2> A watching brief in 2008 identified well-preserved remains of a wall and surface close to the modern ground level. These appeared to be associated with the 19th century Nursery Wire Works.

<3> A subsequent evaluation and programme of building recording identified many further structures associated with the wire works. The most significant of these were the remains of a cementation furnace, intact at chest level, complete with stoke holes, flue system and a significant wall scar which showed the extent of the upper section. This is thought to be one of the best preserved examples in the country. Walls, surfaces and other features associated with the works were also recorded.

<4> In 2012 a further watching brief confirmed that remains of the works were well-preserved across much of the site. Walls and surfaces, as well as large machine base, were identified and correlated with features shown on historic maps.

<1> ARCUS, 2008, Archaeological Desk Based Assessment for the Don Flood Defences, Nursery Street, Sheffield, p13 (Grey Literature Report). SSY2344.

<2> ARCUS, 2008, Archaeological Watching Brief, Nursery Street, (Don Flood Defences) (Grey Literature Report). SSY2343.

<3> Wessex Archaeology, 2010, Nursery Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Archaeological Evaluation, Watching Brief & Building Recording Report. (Grey Literature Report). SSY2341.

<4> Wessex Archaeology, 2012, Nursery Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Archaeological Watching Brief (Grey Literature Report). SSY2865.

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