Wessex Archaeology have conducted an archaeological dig at the former Sheffield Castle site as part of a project to develop the area known as Castlegate.
The regeneration at Castlegate includes the creation of a new park, opening up the River Sheaf and unveiling parts of the former Sheffield Castle. Discoveries by Wessex Archaeology have included historical clues not only to the period of Sheffield Castle’s existence, but what the site has been used for in the centuries since.
Ashley Tuck, Lead Archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology: “Uncovering the remains of this remarkable site has been an honour and like many other Sheffielders I am excited that elements of the castle’s remains will be displayed in the park in due course.
“We look forward to continuing to support the council to realise its vision, which places the heritage of our great city at the heart of regeneration plans for Castlegate.”
The archaeology has led to the Council conducting a review of the original design, to ensure the long-term preservation of the remains. The Council is working with heritage specialist consultants, South Yorkshire Archaeology Service, Historic England and Friends of Sheffield Castle on this matter. As a result, this redesign will lengthen the project past its initial finish date.
The new park at Castlegate will provide another high-quality green space in the city centre and will showcase aspects of the castle for the first time in centuries.
Other nods to the history of the castle area will include an events space, reminiscent of the ‘bowling green’ believed to have occupied the site in the 17th Century.
The River Sheaf is also being opened up to be visible for the first time in the city centre since the Victorian era. A new Sheaf field area of the park will be designed next to the river.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee at Sheffield City Council said: “It has been amazing to see more and more artefacts from the birthplace of Sheffield being uncovered. The Castlegate regeneration project has always been about bringing some of that history to life.”
For more on the project so far and get updates on its progress straight to your inbox, you can also head to the council’s website.
