Hollins Bridge Mill (Rivelin Waterpower Sites)

Location/Address

Immediately upstream of Hollins Lane Bridge, Rivelin Valley, Sheffield S6 5GL

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 mill and water management system. One of the Rivelin Waterpower Sites. Also known as "Rivelin Bridge Wheel". Hollins Bridge Mill and associated water management system are the remains of a water-powered site dating from about 1724 (perhaps before). It was first used for grinding cutlery, then later also fenders and is the only site in Rivelin that was used for grinding of optical glass. By 1868 it had been converted to a corn mill, and by 1936 was noted as being ‘little used’. Only traces of the buildings survive, but the weir and remains of the tail goit can still be seen. The water management system extends to the north-east and south-west of the site of the former mill buildings. Other than at the Yorkshire Water treatment site upstream, this is the only place in the valley where the course of the river has been changed – the river originally ran through what is now the Rivelin Water Play area, being separated from the mill dam by a narrow embankment. In the early 20th century, around the time the ‘New Road’ (Rivelin Valley Road) was built along the valley, the river was diverted to flow directly through the former mill dam. Nothing remains of the original weir – the height of water needed to power the water wheel was preserved by a new weir, which is one of the longest weirs in the valley. There were further changes in this area when the paddling pools were built in 1951. The remains of the tail goit can still be seen under Hollins Bridge, joining the river on the downstream side of the bridge via a channel separated from the river by a series of stone slabs, one of only three sites in the valley that had this arrangement. Hollins Bridge Mill site is located near the junction of Hollins Lane and Rivelin Valley Road. The site is owned by Sheffield City Council and there is open access – a public footpath (the Rivelin Nature Trail), passes the site. The Trail can be accessed from various points along Rivelin Valley Road, or from the north (Stannington) side of the valley (Hollins Lane). 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. Hollins Bridge Mill 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 Walkley Bank Tilt 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).

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Statement of Significance

Age

Dating from about 1724 (perhaps before). By 1868 it had been converted to a corn mill, and by 1936 was noted as being ‘little used’.

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 industries not directly connected with the metal trades. In addition to being converted for use as a cornmill, it is the only site in Rivelin that was used for grinding of optical glass. One of only three sites in the valley where the tail goit is initially separated from the river by edge-set slabs to lengthen the tail goit to allow the river to fall to the level of the goit.

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 is initially separated from the river by edge-set slabs to lengthen the tail goit to allow the river to fall to the level of the goit. The outfalls from Spooners Wheel ran into the head goit of Hollins Bridge Mill, although subsequent landscaping has not left any visible trace. 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. The paddling pools, created in 1951, are important as a successor to the original water management infrastructure, and should be seen as part of the asset. The river has been diverted to flow through the site of the dam, and the paddling pools, served by a replacement weir, are on the original line of the river.

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. Spooners Wheel and Hollins Bridge Mill have group value as the tail goit of the former fed 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 glass grinding reflects contemporary changes in society and the needs of industry. The remodelling of the site illustrates the changing use of industrial sites for recreational purposes, which continues at a number of other local sites.

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. The river has been diverted to flow through the site of the dam, and there are now paddling pools, created in 1951, on the original line of the river. The site therefore continues in very popular recreational use.

Images and Documents

Photo

Hollins%20Bridge%20Mill%20location_201512%20(Sue%20Shaw%20RVCG)%20resized.jpg

Hollins Bridge Mill location showing new line of river on former dam site and paddling pools on old line of river