Restoration work completed at 18th Century dam

The restoration of a heritage dam on a 1,000-year-old ironworks site has been completed.

Abbeydale Dam near Dore in Sheffield suffered leaks in 2021, causing structural damage with water bursting through the dam walls, so a temporary fix was put in place.

The 18th Century dam's permanent repairs, which cost £1.3m, included stonemasonry, waterproofing and grouting, as well as repairs to the waterwheel that powers Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet.

A Sheffield Council spokesperson said: "This marks an historic moment in the long history of the scythe and steelworks at Abbeydale and addressing this has saved one of the cornerstones of Britain's industrial revolution."

The hamlet is believed to be one of the world's most complete surviving water-powered industrial works.

The adjoining workshop, which houses six grindstones and two glazing stones used for sharpening and polishing metal, is powered by the waterwheel which will be back in operation from 2027.

The site's millpond will also be refilled this September.

This follows assessments by the council's ecology team to ensure breeding birds are protected with minimal impact on wildlife inhabiting the drained area.

The council spokesperson said: "I'm delighted to see that this project has been completed and the hamlet is open for future generations to visit, learn from and enjoy."

The dam restoration was completed through a partnership between Sheffield Museums, contractors Esh Construction and Sheffield City Council.

Chris Harvey, head of communications at Sheffield Museums Trust, said: "The hamlet is a site of huge historic significance, but also one of natural beauty that's much loved by visitors and local residents alike.

"Water has powered the hamlet for centuries and we can't wait to see the waterwheels turning once again."

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