Shepherd Wheel Shepherd Wheel, Whiteley Woods, Hangingwater Rd, Sheffield S11 2YE, UK

Shepherd Wheel is a working museum in a former water-powered grinding workshop situated on the Porter Brook in the south-west of the City of Sheffield, England.

Set in the picturesque valley of the Porter Brook, Shepherd Wheel is a unique working example of Sheffield knife grinding industry.

It was one of many small water-powered grinding workshops along Sheffield's rivers and is the earliest complete example of this industry with evidence dating it back to the 1500s.

In this workshop, in dark, damp conditions, skilled grinders produced fine, sharp cutting edges. It was not until the 1930s that grinding ceased and the Wheel's pivotal role in Sheffield's cutlery industry ended.

See the restored working waterwheel and machinery in action along with the tools of the trade for cutlery grinding and hear stories about the grinders who worked here over the centuries at this Grade II listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Shepherd Wheel received £1million Heritage Lottery Funding for restoration of the waterwheel and site and eopened to the public in April 2012. Find out more about the restoration project below.

Admission

Free General Admission

Opening Times

Shepherd Wheel is open all year round
Open every Weekend and Bank Holiday Monday
Summer opening 10am to 4pm
Winter opening 11am to 3pm

Access

• There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
• The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
• There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
• The accessible toilet is located at the rear of the courtyard.
• There is level access to the accessible toilet.
• There is level access to the service.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are varied.

Access Statement

See our Access Statement  

Part Accessible. Assistance and Dogs welcome.