Things
Grinding Wheel
A grinding wheel was used to sharpen tools like those used in agriculture, such as scythes for cutting crops and grass. The grindstone wheel moved in an anti-clockwise motion. Water from a cast iron trough beneath the wheel kept the stone wet, which made the process of grinding easier than with a dry stone.
The grinder sat astride a wooden horse over the stone and held the blade against the stone as it spun round.
Photos courtesy of Sheffield Museums Trust,
A clockwork story
Behind the clock
This mechanism belongs to the clock of Green Lane Works, famous for its leaning tower. Its mechanism is similar to the Benjamin Huntsman clock that can be found at Kelham Island Museum.
Community contributed photo.
Green Lane Works
Green Lane Works is a former stove factory founded in 1795, but the oldest parts of the building visible today were added in 1860.
Green Lane Works courtesy of Cheryl Bowen.
Benjamin Huntsman's clock
Benjamin Huntsman was born in 1777. He was originally a clockmaker, starting his apprenticeship at the age of 14. By the age of 21, he had set up his own business, mending and making clocks. He found that blister steel was not suited to making the mechanisms for his clocks and watches, so he set about making crucible steel which was more suitable.
The clock at Kelham Island Museum is an original clock with a mechanism made using the early crucible steel process.
Benjamin Hunstman clock. Courtesy of Sheffield Museums Trust.
Surgical Scissors
Sheffield is famous for the quality of its steel, and the skill of those who manufactured tools from the steel.
One industry where the combination of quality precision and skills is critical is the manufacture of medical equipment and surgical tools. Surgical tools have been made in Sheffield since 1827, with the innovation of stainless or Staybrite steel in 1912 increasing the range of surgical equipment which could be produced.
On display at Kelham Island Museum is a selection of surgical tools made by Sheffield Companies including Gill, Paragon, T. Wilkinson & Sons, William Whiteley, and Swan Morton.
Pete Goss still makes medical instruments. You can see him in his workshop at Kelham Island Museum in the ‘Little Mesters’ Street.
Photo courtesy of Sheffield Museums Trust
