Brightside Steel Works Cementation Furnaces

Jessops Riverside, Brightside Lane, Sheffield

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.

Asset type

Preserved archaeological site.

Age

The cementation furnace potentially dates to the early nineteenth century, with deposits on the site dating back to at least the mid eighteenth century.

Rarity

The site has been specifically selected for preservation, and has been previously documented and recorded. Cementation furnaces were introduced into Sheffield in the early eighteenth century, with over 200 present by 1860, and the last built c.1880. Very few now remain, with most standing examples statutorily designated. Buried remains have also been subject to great loss owing to subsequent redevelopment on former industrial sites. The remains at the site represent a well preserved example of a cementation furnace with associated industrial deposits.

Group Value

Research has confirmed that crucible and cementation furnaces were particularly associated with Sheffield and its environs, with innovation and development of the technology directly contributing to the city's international pre-eminence of reputation in the manufacturing of quality metal goods. The survival of important steel making structures at this site preserves evidence of this important technology and forms part of an important curated group of remains across the city that have been identified for preservation in situ.

Historic Interest

The site lies on the location of a forge, established in the late eighteenth century on the site of an earlier water powered corn mill. The site developed into a steelworks under the ownership of William Jessop and Sons, becoming known as the Brightside Works, with extensive development on either side of the River Don. The site is of great historical interest, deriving from its association with the influential and philanthropic Jessop family, the development industries and their communities, and its intrinsic technological interest.

Archaeological Interest

The site preserves the buried remains of a cementation furnace, intact at the base of chest level and complete with cellar and flue system. Remains of its immediate surroundings were also proposed for preservation, including elements of adjacent structures and industrial deposits. The remains are of significant research interest and have the potential to contribute to topics identified in the South Yorkshire Historic Environment Research Framework including improving understanding of the relationship between existing and emerging technologies of the post-medieval period; innovation in steel-making and tool production; the development of large-scale industrial concerns; and the potential evidence of undocumented or poorly documented industrial processes.

Landmark Status

Whilst the remains are buried, interpretation is provided within a public space within the Jessops Riverside development in the form of a preserved archway, information board and sculpture.

15 Aug 2022

21 Jun 2022