Abbeyfield House, Abbeyfield Park, Barnsley Road, Pitsmoor, Sheffield - 1

Image: © Terry Robinson Taken: 13 Aug 2013

This fine house was built by William Pass, a local colliery owner in, according to some c1790 - others c1840. He named it Pitsmoor Abbey although there is no known religious connection. Nearby is a street called Pass Houses Lane on which stand Cottages used by workers in Pass' collieries. The Sheffield district of Pitsmoor is probably named after the number of Coal Pits in the area. In the 1880s, a well known Solicitor, Bernard Wake, purchased the house and grounds. He made various amendments including changing the front aspect, adding a lake, building glasshouses and most notably adorning the house with a huge sun dial. The name Wake lives on as part of the Wake Smith Solicitor's Group. When the area started to become more populated Bernard Wake offered to sell the house and grounds to Sheffield City Council, for use as a Public Park. Initially this was declined but following Wakes' death they did purchase it and adapted it for use as a Park. The Lake was, for example, changed to a Boating Lake ... this was eventually drained and swings erected. The House has been used for many things - Park Keepers' Flats, School, WW1 Hospital, Training Servants and Domestic Workers etc., Currently it is being used by a number of Local Groups and Organisations. The Park is also home to Abbeyfield Bowling Club ... see ... Image For more views of the house ... see ... Image Image Image Image Image Image

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