Frank Wheel (Rivelin Waterpower Sites)
Location/Address
600m downstream of Rails Road Bridge, Rivelin Valley, Sheffield S6 5SG
Type
Other site, structure or landscape
Assets that cannot fit any of the other categories. This category includes sites of archaeological interest, where the original form and function may not be apparent without the use of archaeological techniques and interpretation.
Description
Former water-powered grinding Wheel and water management system. One of the Rivelin Waterpower Sites. Also known as "Coppy", "Fourth Coppey" or "Coppice" Wheel.
Frank Wheel and associated water management system are the remains of a water-powered mill site that dates back to at least 1737. It was originally used for grinding cutlery but converted to a paper mill by 1854. From 1905 the site stood empty and most of the building was levelled. Part of the west end of the wheel building and part of a substantial wall that formed support for the pentrough can still be seen.
The water management system extends to the north-east and south-west of the site of the former mill buildings. There is usually a good cascade of water at the weir, which is located about 100 m upstream of the mill dam. A long, wide head goit channels water into the mill dam, which still holds water but is heavily shaded by trees. The tail goit is culverted beneath the track to the east, and runs directly into the head goit of the Wolf Wheel mill dam (next downstream).
The site of the Frank Wheel is located on the south side of Rivelin Valley Road between its junction with the western end of Tofts Lane and the entrance to King Edward’s apartments. The site is owned by Sheffield City Council and there is open access. A public footpath (the Rivelin nature and heritage trail) passes the site between the mill dam and the river. The trail can be accessed from various points along Rivelin Valley Road, and surrounding footpaths.
A marker post installed at the site by Rivelin Valley Conservation Group gives a brief history and links to a website where further information and pictures can be found.
Frank Wheel is one of the 20 water-powered mills built in the Rivelin Valley. This sequence of Rivelin mills and mill dams forms an essential part of Sheffield’s heritage. They also have a broader national and even international significance in relation to the history of the Industrial Revolution in Sheffield.
Further information and pictures of Frank Wheel and other sites in the Rivelin valley can be found at https://rivelinvalley.org.uk/rivelin-trails-2/. See also the books ‘Walking the Rivelin’, by Sue Shaw and Keith Kendall (6th edition, 2019, Rivelin Valley Conservation Group) and ‘Water Power on the Sheffield Rivers’, by C. Ball, D. Crossley, N. Flavell (Editors), (2nd Edition (2006), South Yorkshire Industrial Society).
Statement of Significance
Age
Dates back to at least 1737. From 1905 the site stood empty.Rarity
This asset is an integral part of an especially rare system of waterpowered sites, described in more detail in the Rivelin Waterpower Sites asset. One of relatively few local waterpowered sites used for an industry (paper-making) not directly connected with the metal trades.Architectural and Artistic Interest
This site is one of a group that collectively and individually demonstrate the construction techniques and interrelationships of waterpowered sites, described in more detail in the Rivelin Waterpower Sites asset. The tail goit of Frank Wheel is culverted beneath the track to the east, and runs directly into the head goit of the Wolf Wheel mill dam (next downstream). This is a technique used to enable high density exploitation of a river that is especially characteristic of upland streams such as those in Sheffield during a period of unprecedented industrialisation.Group Value
This site contributes to the significance of the Rivelin Waterpower Sites asset and to the waterpower sites on other rivers in the city, and is integral to an understanding of the role and impact of waterpower in Sheffield. Frank and Wolf Wheels also have group value as the tail goit of the former feeds the head goit of the latter directly.Historic Interest
This site is of historic interest in its illustration of the uses of waterpower, central to the reputation fame and identity of Sheffield; the many and varied uses for waterpower; the industrial development of the area; the impact of communications and topography; the lives and trades of working people; and the practice and policy of landowners, This is described in more detail in the Rivelin Waterpower Sites asset. The conversion of the site from the metal trades to paper making reflects contemporary changes in society and the needs of industry.Archaeological Interest
This site has the potential for underground remains that with further investigation could reveal their development over time, including changes of use and the evolution of industrial processes and construction techniques. Because the sites were not overtaken by later industrial development, any remains are likely to be relatively intact.Landmark Status
The Rivelin Valley is an extremely popular leisure destination for local people, largely defined by its waterpower remains, including this site.
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Date Listed
15 Aug 2022
Last Updated
19 Apr 2022
Find Out More
Find out more about this Asset in South Yorkshire Local Heritage List:
https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/south-yorkshire/asset/7917
https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/south-yorkshire/asset/7917