Events - 2012 Sheffield Archives and Local Studies Programme

Why not come along to one of the workshops or talks organised by Sheffield Archives and Local Studies.  You'll be amazed at what you can discover about Sheffield and South Yorkshire from our collections.  

All of our events are free unless otherwise stated. To book a place contact Sheffield Archives on: 0114 203 9395 or email us at archives@sheffield.gov.uk

January

• Sheffield: Salesman to the World – a talk by Mike Spick - Wednesday 18 Jan 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield. 
• Ancestry Workshop - Thursday 19 Jan 2012, 10am – 12pm: Central Library Computer Suite, Ground Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

February

• The Great Sheffield Flood – children’s event with Andy Messer - Saturday 11 Feb 2012, 2 – 4pm: Garden Room, St Mary’s Community Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4QZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• The Sheffield Chronicles: Every Date of the Year in Sheffield’s History – a talk by J. P. Bean - Wednesday 15 Feb 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

March

• Sheffielders Born or Bred – part of the Highlighting History 2012 festival - Saturday 3 Mar 2012, 1 – 2pm: Fusion, University of Sheffield Union of Students, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG.
• Sir John Brown: Sheffield Industrialist – a talk by Doug Hindmarch - Wednesday 14 Mar 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• Hatches, Matches and Dispatches - Thursday 22 Mar 2012, 2 - 4pm:
  Garden Room, St Mary’s Community Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4QZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

April

• From Back to Backs to Penthouses: The Way We Used to Live – a talk by Suzanne Bingham - Wednesday 18 Apr 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• School’s Out! - Friday 20 Apr 2012, 2 - 4pm: Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield, S1 4SP.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

May

• Planting and Tending Your Family Tree - Wednesday 9 May 2012, 10am – 4pm: Garden Room, St Mary’s Community Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4QZ. There is a £10 charge for this event.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield. 
• Sheffield’s Heritage: The Early Years of the Hunter Archaeological Society and the Contribution of T. Walter Hall – a talk by Ruth Morgan and Pat Wagner - Wednesday 16 May 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

June

• Assaying and Hallmarking: The Work of Sheffield Assay Office – a talk by Emma Paragreen - Wednesday 13 Jun 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

July

• My Ancestor was a Pauper - Friday 6 Jul 2012, 2 – 4pm: Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield, S1 4SP.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• Life in the Lunatic Asylum – children’s event - Saturday 7 Jul 2012, 2 – 4pm: Garden Room, St Mary’s Community Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4QZ.
• The Sheffield Flood of 1864 – a talk by Malcolm Nunn - Wednesday 18 Jul 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• The Great Victorian Stink – children’s event - Saturday 28 Jul 2012, 2 – 4pm: Garden Room, St Mary’s Community Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4QZ. For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

August

• Who Lived In My House? - Thursday 2 Aug 2012, 2 – 4pm: Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield, S1 4SP.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• Victorian Crime and Punishment – children’s event - Saturday 11 Aug 2012, 2 – 4pm: Garden Room, St Mary’s Community Centre, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4QZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• A Walk Down Green Lane with John Bradshaw - Wednesday 15 Aug 2012, 6:30pm: Meet at 6pm outside The Fat Cat pub, Alma Street, S3 8SA.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

September

• The Cutlers’ Company: its History and Function - Wednesday 19 Sep 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ

October

• Family History Surgery - Friday 12 Oct 2012, 10am – 4pm: Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield, S1 4SP.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• Wentworth Woodhouse: the House, Estate and Family – a talk by Mel Jones - Wednesday 17 Oct 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield. 

November

• Mapping Sheffield from the 18^th to the 21^st Century – a talk by Mike Spick - Wednesday 14 Nov 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• Operation Crucible - Friday 23 Nov 2012, 2 – 4pm: Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield, S1 4SP.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

December

• Friday at the Flicks - Friday 7 Dec 2012, 10am – 12pm: Showroom Cinema, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.
• Painted Fabrics: the Story of a Unique Sheffield Company - Wednesday 12 Dec 2012, 6:30pm: Jackson Room, First Floor, Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 1XZ.  For more information use Welcome to Sheffield.

Introduction to Sheffield Archives and Local Studies - Group bookings

If you belong to a local history society or community group and would like to visit Sheffield Archives, book your visit now.  Dates are given below.  Your visit will include a short introductory talk, a behind the scenes tour and the chance to see some of the treasures from the archives. 

There is a charge of £2 per person. 

• Friday 24 Feb 2012, 1:30 – 3:30pm
• Friday 25 May 2012, 1:30 – 3:30pm
• Friday 24 Aug 2012, 1:30 – 3:30pm
• Friday 30 Nov 2012, 1:30 – 3:30pm

From: https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/libraries/archives-and-local-studies/events.html

Event - Newstead Abbey hopes for Antiques Roadshow tourist boost

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE’S Newstead Abbey is set to host an episode of popular BBC1 programme the Antiques Roadshow later this year.

The Sunday teatime staple will be filmed at the former home of Romantic poet Lord Byron on Thursday 14th June, for broadcast at a later date.

And the Abbey’s staff hope that its television appearance will give the Nottingham City Council-owned tourist attraction a publicity boost that will encourage more people to visit.

Penny Beniston, house and event manager, said: “The Antiques Roadshow coming to Newstead Abbey means such a lot to the whole team at Nottingham City Council.

“The gardeners are so looking forward to showcasing their work, the café is planning a very special menu, and as for the Abbey itself, we are hoping to invite visitors in to wander around at their leisure to enjoy everything that the house can offer - whether that is the Byron connection, the Civil War interest or the Victorian side to Newstead.

“There is something for everyone.”

Presented by newsreader Fiona Bruce, the Antiques Roadshow sees thousands of people queue up to get their family heirlooms, jumble sale bargains and quirky keepsakes valued by the programme’s team of antiques experts.

And some of the historically-important artefacts at Newstead are bound to be discussed during filming.

Penny added: “We are hoping it will bring visitors to the Abbey in their thousands for a wonderful fun day - we just need the sun to shine to make it perfect.”

Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, culture and tourism, Coun David Trimble, is also optimistic that having Antiques Roadshow filmed at Newstead will be beneficial.

He said: “We are thrilled that the Antiques Roadshow is coming to film at Newstead Abbey in June later this year.

“This promotion of Newstead Abbey House and Gardens on this prestigious television programme will help bring visitors to the site, and encourage more people to enjoy the stunning grounds and historic house tours.”

Details of the times of the filming will be announced soon.

Newstead Abbey will be asking for volunteers to help marshal the event, helping visitors find their way to the different areas.

Anyone interested in this can contact Penny on 01623 455913 or email penny.beniston@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/local/alfreton/newstead_abbey_hopes_for_antiques_roadshow_tourist_boost_1_4111005

Event - Family History Session (Hucknall)

This Saturday 7 January 2012between 10:00am - 12:00pm at Hucknall library.

Free event. Family history experts on hand to offer help and guidance with family trees.

Futher details at: http://ht.ly/8hUOI

Event City of Caves to Re-open (Nottingham)

Nittinghams 'City of Caves' will be re-opening on February 11th. More details soon...

News - Court fight over a stately treasure (Wentworth Woodhouse)

Clifford Newbold, owner of Wentworth Woodhouse, in the marble hall. Picture by Chris Lawton

ONE Sunday more than a decade ago, retired architect Clifford Newbold and his son Giles embarked on a project to give new life to one of Yorkshire’s most neglected stately homes after reading about its plight in a newspaper.

Mr Newbold, who had spent much of his life working in London, was involved in the design of the capital’s iconic Millbank Tower. But his new project, which he took on in his mid-70s, would prove even more challenging.

The father-and-son team spent 10 years labouring to bring Wentworth Woodhouse, near Rotherham, back into use, and their plans for a museum, hotel, spa and conference centre are now ready to begin.

But no work will start until the outcome of a court case against the Coal Authority is complete, because it is claimed that the stunning building, built by the Earls Fitzwilliam in the 1700s, is breaking up because of subsidence.

The irony of the situation is that the Grade I-listed house itself was built using the profits made from coal, with thousands of tonnes still lying in seams hundreds of metres below the estate.

Wentworth Woodhouse’s history is defined by its troubled relationship with the fossil fuel, with the last Earl to live there forced to watch as a 1940s Labour government ripped up his garden for opencast mining.

As Giles Newbold talks about that episode, in which Fuel Minister Manny Shinwell laid waste to the estate, there is real anger in his voice, and he describes what happened as vandalism.

For both men, the vision is to move the house away from its past and build a new future, based on more illustrious stories of its place at the centre of a thriving community.

Showing pictures taken by the RAF of the opencast devastation, Giles Newbold, a 36-year-old building surveyor, said: “They actually used explosives and blew up the bedrock within a few metres of the walls of the house.

“The holes were up to 40m deep. One area had a planted woodland which contained every species of tree found in northern Europe. It was just felled and the ground dug for coal. We want to restore that.

“We are in a position where we could start in six months, but we just need to get the case with the Coal Authority settled.”

Many of the house’s contents, commissioned and built up by successive Earls, were taken by the Government in lieu of death duties when the last Earl died.

Many family portraits are now held by the National Portrait Gallery, while other artworks and statues from the house are scattered around the globe.

A painting by George Stubbs of famous estate racehorse Whistlejacket was commissioned in the 1760s for one of the rooms, but is now in the National Gallery. A facsimile currently hangs in the Whistlejacket Room.

Mr Newbold junior said: “We want to bring those works of art back.

“Many of these pieces were commissioned for Yorkshire and they should be here to be enjoyed by the people of Yorkshire.”

When the Newbolds bought the house for £1.5m it was “stripped clean” and Mr Newbold senior said an “enormous sum” had already been spent tracking down simple items.

One fire grate from the house was found in a London saleroom, while the bell board, which told servants where to go in the house, was discovered in Dublin.

Despite what has happened, the stunning interiors of Wentworth Woodhouse have stood their many tests, and the splendid state rooms, including the Pillared Hall which contains empty plinths where statues once stood, will form the museum.

Meanwhile, the Newbolds have already started welcoming some visitors to the house, including students both past and present,

Mr Newbold senior, 85, said: “There has been a great deal of interest from architecture students at Sheffield University.

“For them it is a fantastic opportunity because this house hasn’t had a lot of reports written on it and hasn’t been extensively studied in the way that others around the country have.

“We also recently hosted a group who were here when it was a training college for teachers.

“They reverted to being girls again and started looking for the rooms they remembered. We want to welcome more people and for this place to be part of the community as it once was.”

A High Court ruling on the Coal Authority case is expected in the next few weeks.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/at-a-glance/main-section/court_fight_over_a_stately_treasure_1_4110335

Article- A new look at world below city's streets (Nottingham)

Underneath the busy streets of Nottingham lies a warren of caves. Now, a unique project has brought long-forgotten caves into the public eye. Delia Monk reports...

STATUES, medieval symbols and even underground heating systems are just some of the things that have been seen in Nottingham's caves this year.

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Expert: Dr David Strange-Walker of Trent and Peak Archaeology by some of the caves at Rock Cemetery, in Mansfield Road, just one of many city caves where he and his team have used cutting-edge technology to create a 3D survey.

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Wonders: A full-size sandstone statue of a goddess figure in Thomas Herbert's Columns Cave. Far left: Medieval carved crosses in the malting cave beneath Broadway, in the Lace Market.

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Sand caves: A laser- scanned silhouette image of the caves in the Rock Cemetery, in Mansfield Road. The cemetery was an underground sand mine in the 19th century.

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The Nottingham Caves Survey, which started in February 2010, has now recorded and documented more than 70 caves in the city.

Many are private, belonging to the owners of the properties that sit above them, and have not been entered by anyone else for decades.

These are just some of the pictures of the discoveries to date, ahead of the project finishing in February. By then, Trent and Peak Archaeology, which is running the project and is part of York Archaeological Trust, will have entered and surveyed about 90 of Nottingham's 500-strong caves.

It has also released YouTube videos that have attracted more than 165,000 hits from 27 countries.

But project manager Dr David Strange-Walker hopes that the team may be able to extend their English Heritage funding for one year in a bid to enter as many of the caves as possible.

If successful, they would widen it into a community project and train local volunteers to try and record as much as they can.

The team of volunteers would approach cave owners and, if allowed in, take photos and draw a brief sketch.

The caves are being surveyed with a 3D laser scanner, producing a full measured record of them in three dimensions.

"We've been quite successful in bringing Nottingham's caves to a worldwide audience," said Dr Strange-Walker.

"Nottingham caves are pretty unique in Britain. There's nowhere else in Britain that has anything like this number or range of caves from medieval right up to the 20th century.

"The project has really started to put Nottingham back on the map for having caves again."

He has recorded a variety of caves over the course of the project.

Some of the finest are deemed to be those that belonged to Alderman Thomas Herbert, who cut a series of caves under his property in Park Terrace, in the Park.

These include Columns Cave, pictured on this page, which features numerous columns and statues of what appear to be Gods and Goddesses.

Dr Strange-Walker said it was also fascinating to visit his herbarium cave, which has a stove in it with a chimney poking out of the ground. The hot smoke would also run around the edge of the cave in concealed channels, providing extra warmth.

Dr Strange-Walker said he believed it had been used as a dark greenhouse for growing plants of some kind, or for entertaining friends in a warmer environment.

Through this study, the team discovered another previously-unknown cave under Mr Herbert's house. This was filled with rubble and rubbish and was split into two rooms, each about four by ten metres. Dr Strange-Walker said they appeared to have been used as wine cellars as they are lined with shelves and partitions.

The team are also hoping to enter another one of Mr Herbert's caves called Daniel in the Lion's Den, which has sandstone carvings depicting the biblical tale of Daniel.

 

By contrast to these Victorian-cut caves, the Rock Cemetery, in Mansfield Road, features an 18th-century underground sand mine.

Dr Strange-Walker said underground burial tunnels were built after the First World War but the catacombs were never brought into fruition and still lie empty today.

Meanwhile in the Lace Market, a medieval malting cave lies beneath the Propaganda nightclub in Broadway.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/new-look-world-city-s-streets/story-14302665-detail/story.html

Article - Wonders hiding under our feet (Nottingham)

THE Nottingham Caves Survey is providing a fascinating view of the city's subterranean architecture.

It has given an indication of the extent of the city's cave system, but also the variety of caverns and the multifarious uses they have been out to.

The images we publish today are intriguing. They cannot fail to captivate the imagination and leave us wanting to know more.

Therein lies the potential of Nottingham's caves from a visitor and tourism perspective.

As well as showing what's down there, the caves survey, which is managed by the York Archeological Trust, has demonstrated the level of interest.

YouTube videos of the caves, large and small, which have been posted by the trust, have attracted a staggering 165,000 hits from 27 countries.

And project manager Dr David Strange-Walker points out his work has "really started to put Nottingham back on the map for having caves".

For many, and certainly those from outside the city, the caves are part of Nottingham's hidden history.

The opportunities to see the caves are currently limited. The Nottingham Caves attraction, (currently closed pending refurbishment of the Broadmarsh Centre), Nottingham Castle, and The Galleries of Justice, give some openings, but the possibilities are surely much greater.

We have said many times that Nottingham has failed to have effective policies in place over many years to protect and promote its wonderful heritage. As a result, many museums and attractions have closed, or access been curtailed in recent years.

A comprehensive strategy is needed to make the most of what we've got in the city and county. The caves survey is another reminder that is much more than most.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Wonders-hiding-feet/story-14302687-detail/story.html