Wharncliffe Musket Range

Location/Address

Wharncliffe Chase (Park)

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

Extensive area situated on an open moorland plateau. Constructed by the Wharncliffe family who had connections with military army service. Most likely Edward Montagu Stuart Wortley Mackenzie 1827-1899. He was Colonel of the Hallamshire Rifle Volunteers and had previously served in the Guards Regiment. It is known that the Hallamshire Volunteers used it on regular occasions. A meeting at Sheffield Town Hall resolved to form a volunteer force in 1852 to address a perceived French threat (many regiments formed at this time nationwide). Exact date of construction unknown but probably mid 19th century. Declared unsafe around 1899 with the adoption of .303 inch cartridges, which were of a much higher velocity and energy then the previous .557 inch cartridge. Two distinct systems or phases are apparent, using the same extant target butt or site. The butt today is in a ruined state but still impressive. Made out of the local fine sandstone using cut blocks. Likewise a series of stone structures are visible at approximately 50 yard stages on a straight axis. Many are covered in turf. These stretch to the back wall of the park at the chase wall near the crags. Scattered around the axis is what look like older structures, also made of stone but typically around 30 yards square, also covered by turf. It is unclear how the range operated. There does not appear to be anything comparable elsewhere apart for some target butts. Recently (2022) there has been some unauthorised robbing of some stone from the target butt (personally witnessed and reported to the Wharncliffe Estate Office). Adjoining the site is the Romano-British site known as Whitley Church.

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Statement of Significance

Asset type

Archaeological Site

Age

Mid-19th century, possibly c.1852.

Rarity

There does not appear to be anything comparable elsewhere apart for some target butts.

Group Value

Adjoining the site is the Romano-British site known as Whitley Church.

Historic Interest

Constructed by the Wharncliffe family who had connections with military army service. Most likely Edward Montagu Stuart Wortley Mackenzie 1827-1899. He was Colonel of the Hallamshire Rifle Volunteers. He previously served in the Guards Regiment. The Hallamshire Volunteers used it on regular occasions. A meeting at Sheffield Town Hall resolved to form a volunteer force in 1852 to address a perceived French threat (many regiments formed at this time nationwide).

Archaeological Interest

Two distinct systems or phases are probably apparent, using the same extant target butt or site. The butt today is in a ruined state but still impressive. Made out of the local fine sandstone using cut blocks. Likewise a series of stone structures are visible at approximately 50 yard stages on a straight axis. Many are covered in turf. These stretch to the back wall of the park at the chase wall near the crags. Scattered around the axis is what appear to be older structures also made of stone but typically around 30 yards square, also covered by turf.

Images and Documents

Photo

One stage or firing point