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Public to dig deep at cutlery works

The University of Sheffield is inviting the public to come down to the Rivelin Valley this Sunday (5 July 2009), between 11am and 3pm to have a look at the history behind the start of Sheffield’s industrial heritage.

Archaeology students from the University are excavating two of the small water-powered cutlery works in the Rivelin Valley. The public will have the chance to have a go at metal working with the University’s Department of Archaeology and help the student archaeologists work out what they have found.

The archaeologists have been excavating Holme Head Wheel, a water powered grinding workshop built in the mid 1700s for sharpening knives and razors.  This year the students will also be excavating some cottages at Roscoe Wheel (another water-powered cutlery workshop).

Dr Bob Johnston, lecturer in archaeology and project coordinator, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to have a look at the start of Sheffield’s industrial heritage. It is a chance for members of the public to learn and get involved with an interesting part of Sheffield’s past.”

Sally Rodgers, the outreach worker for the project, said: “It will be really interesting this year to see where and how the grinders lived as well as where they worked. It will give the public a great insight into part of the history of Sheffield.”

The open day is free of charge and there is no need to book. There will be family activities throughout the day along with lots of information about the excavations and students giving tours of the site and explaining what they are doing.