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Why was Shepherd Wheel built here?

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Introduction

Why was Shepherd Wheel built here? Sheffield's industrial past was dependant on the skills of Sheffield's grinders and cutlers. Grinders and cutlers worked in workhouses or grinding mills, often powered by a water wheels. There were many fast flowing rivers running through Sheffield making Sheffield perfect for water powered workhouses for grinding and forging. Shepherd Wheel is an example of one of the many small water-powered workshops located around Sheffield. Shepherd Wheel is located on the bank of River Porter in Binghum Park. Shepherd Wheel was powered a big water wheel which was turned by the fast water flow. It was mainly used for grinding cutlery like table and other domestic knives as well as pen and pocket knives. ...read more.

Middle

There was also sandstone/millstone grit used as grindstones. Iron ore and lead was used nearby to actually make the tools to be sharpened and lime was also found in Sheffield which was used as flux in furnaces. None of these resources were unique in Sheffield, however the fact that they were all found together (along with fast flowing water) was unique. One of the most important reasons Shepherd Wheel was built here was that there was a lot of furnaces and forges nearby. This meant that there were plenty of tools to be sharpened and they could be transported to Shepherd Wheel easily and quickly. Not only the tools could be transported to the grinding mill quickly but they would be sold quickly too. ...read more.

Conclusion

The Industrial Revolution was one of the main reasons so many small grinding mills and forges were built in the first place. As England's population became larger and larger there were a lot of demand in jobs and housing which meant a lot or factories and small workhouses started to be built. As Sheffield's population increased the number of grinding wheels increased vastly and quickly. Iron began to be mass produced so more and more grinding wheels were built. The Industrial Revolution was a big reason Shepherd Wheel was built here. In conclusion, Sheffield on the whole was a great town for grinding wheels to be built in. It had all the factors needed for a grinding wheel to be successful. Shepherd Wheel was built here because of the natural resources, Sheffield's specialism and reputation for great quality iron tools, forges nearby and the landscape. ?? ?? ?? ?? Min Park 10JB ...read more.

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