What to see

As an integrated water-powered works, there are many different features to Abbeydale.

Water from the dam powered four waterwheels, which drove massive tilt-hammers, bellows for the forger's hearth, giant grindstones and a boring lathe.

Almost all the processes used in the production of blades were carried out here on one site. The only process carried out off site was rolling crucible steel bars flat before they were forged. This was done at Totley Rolling Mill.

The main industrial features of the site are the crucible furnace, where crucible steel for the tools was made, the tilt forge where the large hammers forged tools flat, and the grinding hull, where the blades were sharpened.

All About Abbeydale

Our new gallery tells the story behind the works, its people and their working lives.

The Works!

Everyone can get hand-on with history at The Works!