Has anyone ever been in the tunnels under the city centre? And does anyone have access into the tunnels making it possible for myself and others to walk around them sometime :wink: ?

Jon

They are part of the manor castle, I think. They link the castle to the Queens Head Pub. (Mary Queen of Scots and all that, she was imprisoned there for a few years)

There is a society for the castle maybe they can help you. Let me know as I may be interested in taking a look

According to some books on Sheffield there is/are loads more than one tunnel system. For work I'm particularly interested in the one that ran from the castle to Manor Lodge, and am looking for any info - and definitely any chance to have an explore :!: :D
Friends who have worked at Fargate and the Moor have reported tunnels linking shops together - known but not widely known. Some of the churches are supposed to have them too.
There are also all the old graves.
I love the thought of all that history lurking under my feet when I'm in town.
I'd love the thought of having an explore even more. But I bet 'they' would say it was too much of a safety hazard to let people have a wander. Or maybe there are those who still use the tunnels for purposes nefarious and otherwise?
Laura

I've heard rumours of tunnels leading from the Ponderosa under Crookes Valley Road to the park. Reputedly, they were used to store barrage balloons in WW1.

Anybody have any further knowledge of these?

I do beleive there are still tunnels that run from the old sheffield castle up to the manor castle and tudor lodge, in the old days one could gain access to them on the fields where the manor park estate now stands.

I heard there was a tunnel linking The University of Sheffield's St. Georges lecture theatre/flats and Mappin Buildings...

I'm fascinated by tunnels. I'm from in a small town in Leicestershire which apparently has a network of tunnels below it. Not sure how true it is.

I've heard various rumours of tunnels, but never seen any actual proof that they exist. From Manor Lodge to Sheffield castle would be quite a feat of engineering if you think about the relative locations and distance. The Lodge quite high up and the castle on the banks of the Don about a mile or so away.

There are certainly plenty of mine tunnels under lots of Sheffield, it's a wonder most of the hills haven't collapsed!


The local studies library might have some info and most likely the Hunter Archaeological Society - but I'm not a member and don't know anyone to ask.

Jim

Originally posted by "jimbol"

There are certainly plenty of mine tunnels under lots of Sheffield, it's a wonder most of the hills haven't collapsed!

Jim

When they knocked down the flats on Guildford Avenue and started to build the new school they found massive great holes that had to be filled in before they could start work on site. The mind boggles. How is it the flats never fell into them? Or did they just think that that wouldn't be too much of a loss :lol:
I found the irony of great holes that no-one had ever noticed before having to be filled before anything could go ahead just too much. :roll: Where did all the money for the school grounds and classroom equipment go? Into the bottomless pit of course. So many possible analogies and jokes, so little time...

Laura

I believe there is a tunnel from The Sheffield castle and goes under the Pitsmoor estate linking the old castle that used to stand in the area were Pye Bank School and the Pitsmoor estate is now.

Originally posted by "mikey"

They are part of the manor castle, I think. They link the castle to the Queens Head Pub. (Mary Queen of Scots and all that, she was imprisoned there for a few years)

There is a society for the castle maybe they can help you. Let me know as I may be interested in taking a lookMikey The Yorkshire UFO Society hold meetings at the Queens Head Pub and yes a tunnel doe run from there up to the castle (btw i have written to the council about a visit down the tunnels so if they say yes you going with us?)

Definately, but we may need the Maiden to scare out any gools first. :D

Take me, take me :!:
I may be short and I may not be a witch but i can scare ghouls away no probs. I just chat them into the next life :lol:

Smiles
Laura

If there's room for one more, let me know - please! :D

Jim

Apparently there are loads of tunnels leading from Manor Castle to the Castle markets in town too. I don't know how true they are, but my friend works for the Manor and Castle Development Trust thingy so I'll ask her if I see her today.
Chloé

I heard that there's a tunnel entrance in the cellar at the Cossack pub, but it's boarded up - not safe to enter.

Further investigation inot the possibility of tunnels from Manor lodge to anywhere near the Castle have hit brick walls (pun apology :roll: )
The friends of Manor lodge/castle and others working around and about there told me it was an engineering impossibility due to the distance/rivers in the way. They say people have mistaken old drift mines and victorian sewers for tunnels.
Some arguments were more plausible than others. For instance certain of these people refuted the existence of tunnels anywhere under Sheffield, and I truly believe they are wrong.
If anyone can prove this one way or another (particularly the Manor/ Sheff Castle one), please please please show me the proof. :!:

Laura

There's no information online about tunnels under Sheffield, although for other cities (eg Manchester which has lots) this is well documented.

Has anyone actually got any evidence to support this? It's a nice idea I know, but it seems really unlikely that there are tunnels from Ponds Forge to the Manor.

I do a lot of potholing and exploration of old mines and I'd just like to advise anyone who does find anything to get hold of proper lights, helmets and let someone know exactly where you're going and the time at which you'd like them to call 999 if you don't return.

If you find any tunnel, hole or whatever in your searches, please do not enter without doing a thorough risk assessment first. This may sound technical, but it's basically application of common sense to ensure that the environment you are about to enter is safe.

I am all too aware from my job, that people can and do die from entering confined/restricted spaces. Old mine workings, especially, are prone to build up of dangerous gasses which you cannot see or smell/taste and these will kill you in a very short time. I'm sorry to sound morbid or bang on about it, but I do not want to hear of anyone putting themselves or others at risk. You need to ensure that there is sufficient oxygen to breath and that there are no other nasties in the air. Please don't take the risk, if you're not sure, then don't!

Probably one of the best sources of information (as I mentioned in an earlier post) is the Hunter Archaeological Society. If they don't know about any tunnels, then I would venture to suggest that they don't exist. I will try and find out some way of contacting them and post any info that comes to light.

Keep safe - you know it makes sense!

I got a letter from the council today (friday 16th may) about the tunnels they have passed my information on to someone else and will be getting back intouch with me soon fingers crossed :D

Does anyone remember the massive hole that opened up on the Park Square Roundabout island about 10-15 years ago? Apparantly this happened because an old mine shaft under the roundabout hadn't been filled in correctly.

Still amazes me that there's all these funky things under the ground that we never hear of. I'd kinda convinced myself that the stories of the Castle remains under the Fish Market were something I'd dreamt up until doing an internet search on it a few months back.

I'm told that when they were digging the hole in the road some of these forgotten tunnels were inadvertently broken into. I'm sure I've read somewhere that a local reporter at the time went into them. Was he from the Star?

it is highly likely that many of these tunnels do indeed exist, but it is not often in the interests of the owners of the properties where they lead to admit to them. Imagine if it were suddenly common knowledge that a tunnel came up in the cellar of a bank for example!

If you want to get a feeling of what the tunnels were probably like, you could do a lot worse than take a trip to Nottingham and visit the caves which are now hidden under a shopping centre. It's not exactly the same thing, but it's close in parts.

Andy.

Interesting site about the old cold war tunnels under Manchester:

http://www.cybertrn.demon.co.uk/guardian/construction.htm

There are some fantastic tunnels under Nottingham. One of the ghost walks actually takes you down into them.

http://www.nottinghamhistory.co.uk/local/caves.htm

There were also some tunnels found in Woodhouse a few years ago when they were building a new housing development off Furnace Lane.

I've just come into possession of a letter in the Star (02/07/98) that is all about the Park tunnels. This gentleman asserts that as a lad he and his mates used to play in some tunnels (entrance on Skye Edge) that led to Manor lodge (where they were barred and gated). He reckons the entrance was a 'vast hole' on Skye Edge, so I'm presuming that at least the hole has been filled in. Apparently they found war munitions and Moony gang coins in there, which they sold to the ragman. But if there really was a gate and bars at the Manor Lodge end, someone must know it's there...we've had the place crawling with archeologists before now.

Curiouser and curiouser...

There are tunnels from Manor to the Queens Head, but apparently they are now blocked. They also ran from the castle.
Castle markets run walks like that, get in touch!

Hi junade what do you mean the Castle Market do walks? you mean they have access to the tunnels and let the public down there?

Hi,

missed this one I don't know why?? I'll come if we can get access.

I have a snoop finding about the location of the manor entrance. The Sheff, Medaevil re-enactment society do their practises up at the Manor sometime, so we shall see what is what.

The tunnels date back to at least the 15th century and are as many have mentioned so far connected with Manor Castle.

It isn't unusual to have tunnels and such with the castles. Monk Bretton Priory in Barnsley is said to have tunnels that link up with another church in Wakefield :shock: A quick escape route for the monk should they be attacked.


Moon Maiden

Junade,
It's a nice thought, and it has been fairly certainly ascertained that there were tunnels to and from these buildings, but that they most probably did not run from town to the Manor, as geographically there are some major problems with that theory. If you definitely know differently, then please please show me irrefutable proof (i.e. photos or the tunnels themselves or Council documents - I've heard the stories and read the articles already, no offense :wink: ), as I've been chewing on this problem for a while now
If you can get tunnel tours, then you will be a popular person, as a lot of us on this topic are itching to see some of the tunnels. And I for one would like to know the definitive answer(s) to this niggly subject

Smiles,
Laura

Here is some more from my hubby.

One of the entrances is located at Wicker arches. Large door. You used to be able to access them from there. Apparently though if you open the large door there you will find a brick wall now.

He reckons there are three 'layers' of tunnels. The newest ones near the city floor are fairly recent, possible associated with a netweork of airraid shelters.
The second layer is the tunnels associated with the castle and then there is a new super layer beneath these, which is suposed to be nuclear bunkers :shock: . Miles and miles of the things should there ever be a nuclear attack, we are sorted.

These nuclear tunnels are supposed to be accessed by the other layers which is why Sheffield council wouldn't officially give anyone access.

Don't know how true the layers are.

Moon Maiden

Someone once told me that there were/are tunnels that run to the Carbrook Inn (near the Arena). Also I was in Halifax Hall last week, which is near Endcliffe Park, and there was some blurb on the history of the buildings which included about tunnels which ran to Town Hall.

I was in Nottingham yesterday and spotted this place.

http://www.aboutbritain.com/CavesOfNottingham.htm

There is a group/club called Subterranea Brittanica who search out these old underground workings, tunnels & bunkers etc.

Maybe someone there may be able to help with the quest?

http://www.subbrit.org.uk/

Matt

What a great name...
It would be interesting to hear what they have to say.

I was given this from one of my pagan friends

Hi

I don't get online much myself these days, good to see everything is
ticking over smoothly.

When the Peace Gardens were excavated in 1998 I was Security manager
and spoke to the Chief Engineer of Sheffield City Council about the
legendary tunnels.

As far as he is concerned, they don't exist, if they did ever then
certainly they would have collapsed by now. Stories of 'brick lined'
tunnels began circulating when Castle Markets were being built, but
what people could see were the old victorian city sewers.

Other excavations in the area are old mining works. My friend Angel
is big on local history and is a key member of the Manor History
Society. She says an extensive thermal imaging survey and soundings
were carried out in the vicinity of Manor Tower in the mid 90s and
there was no evidence of any tunnels there either.

But don't give up. There are stories of Tunnels all over Sheffield
area, including one linking Beauchief Abbey and Norton Church which
is quite laughable but even if you uncover anything about mining
shafts, wells or any other less romantic subterranean delights it's
something.

However, tunnels, unless they are regularly checked and maintained
become dangerous. Old tunnels particularly so, so it's doubtful that
you will be permitted to simply go down there with torches and look
around.

Other good sources of information might be the City Engineers
archives for copies of old sewerage system maps, excavations that are
charted etc., the reference library and staff at Weston Park Museum.

Work still keeps me from being as involved locally as I would like, I
seem to be working 24/7, but I hope to check in here again soon,

Was posted yesterday I think.

Moon Maiden

I think that pretty much settles it then, and I reckon subbrit would have been onto them long ago if they'd existed.

Beauchief Abbey and Norton Church being linked by a tunnel would be extremely impressive, but extremely unlikey!

Doh ....Shame about tunnels, If there any it is unlikely we will be able to go down.


There is some sort of old war bunker in Beauchief woods, anybody know anything about this?

The mystery goes on............

You need to apply to the military for access to the tunnels.

Moon Maiden

Originally posted by "Moon Maiden"

You need to apply to the military for access to the tunnels.

Moon Maiden

Which tunnels are you talking about?

any of em. They aparently ALL belong to the military now.

Moon Maiden

I went into the pub "The Ship" in Shalesmoor last night (opposite the Nags Head) for the first time last night. It is a very pleasant pub and quite ornate to look at from the outside.

Anyway, as you walk in on the right hand side by the entrance is a plaque dedicated to 2 seamen who died in the 'secret tunnels' beneath the pub which led down to the river at the time of the Sheffield Flood.

What they were doing, or why the tunnels were 'secret' I don't know.

Oh yeah - and the plaque said something about a ghost too!

Nomme

Originally posted by "nommedenet"

I went into the pub "The Ship" in Shalesmoor last night (opposite the Nags Head) for the first time last night. It is a very pleasant pub and quite ornate to look at from the outside.

Anyway, as you walk in on the right hand side by the entrance is a plaque dedicated to 2 seamen who died in the 'secret tunnels' beneath the pub which led down to the river at the time of the Sheffield Flood.

What they were doing, or why the tunnels were 'secret' I don't know.

Oh yeah - and the plaque said something about a ghost too!

Nomme Apparently he was a seaman who was trapped in one of the many tunnels that used to run under the pub, and which were flooded in 1864 when the Dale Dyke Dam burst

The Carbrook Hall pub landlord used to talk of tunnels below the pub. Unfortunately I can`t remember any details.

Originally posted by Moon Maiden
Hi,

Monk Bretton Priory in Barnsley is said to have tunnels that link up with another church in Wakefield :shock: A quick escape route for the monk should they be attacked.


Moon Maiden

Hi :)

I know a guy in Stairfoot just down the road from Monk Bretton that is currently writing a book collecting Barnsley/Wakefield stories and examining them for accuracy. (Initially started as an investigation of Robin Hood legends).

Apparently there were supposed to have been tunnels leading all over from Monk Bretton, including to Doncaster, Sheffield Cathedral etc. The link to the Wakefield church (the big one in the City Centre) is the most common story though highly unlikely as Monk Bretton was Catholic and the Wakefield Church Anglican. My friend says that it is far more likely that the tunnel(s) led a 'safe' distance from the priory, perhaps to nearby farm buildings owned by the monks, and would have been used as a hidey-hole/escape route should the priory have come under attack from Reformers.

Tunnels were more common AFTER the dissolution of the monasteries and used extensively by catholic priests during the civil war, catholic clergy often being held trial for heresy if they were caught by Cromwells men.

Sometimes (certainly at one place in Nantwich, Cheshire) tunnels and hidden vaults under churches were where remnants of earlier pagan worship were 'kept' by the Church... crude carved stones, hidden from the local populace to prevent pagan worship, yet not destroyed for fear of incurring the wrath of pagan gods/spirits. Some of the Nantwich stones are now in Crewe and others in the basement of the Grosvenor Museum, Chester. The ones I have seen seem to be romano-celtic in origin although I have seen a stone recovered from a Chapel near Sandiway, Delamere, and that appears to be pre-roman. It is about 7' in height and features a humanoid figure with froglike characteristics which figures as the area was at one time marshland.

Other 'tunnels', for instance, beneath Inns were sometimes extended cellars with hidden storage rooms, where perhaps 'poached' game was kept, particularly things like Swans, Deer etc which could get you the death sentence, but at the same time offered tremendous potential for profit.

Many Inns also brewed on the premises or had tunnels leading to an nearby outbuilding used as a 'mashing house'. Barrels might conceivably have been transported underground to the Inn as a means of minimising risk of theft as certain periods of history were almost as lawless as today (:D ). Beer and wines were certainly stored underground, as were all foodstuffs.

The best tunnel I have actually seen is at Hinton Old Hall on the Cheshire/Shropshire border, which leads to another nearby old manor house (Currently a clubhouse for a golf club). Apparently the tunnel was built so that the neighbouring landowners could visit each other and play cards etc without getting exposed to wind and rain. There is a story which relates that during heavy rains once the tunnel became flooded and a somewhat inebriated 'Lord of the Manor' was resting during his subterranean walk home and drowned.

AS for current military use of tunnels etc. Unless they were built or 'occupied' by the WD/MOD it is unlikely that the Military have any jurisdiction over tunnels. I was in the Army myself and have been in one place in Hampshire where there was several levels of underground storage. These contain nothing more sinister than military financial records, masses and masses of them, receipts, orders, ledgers etc dating back as far as Victorian days.

Behind the public face of the army there is a secret army of book-keepers and military accountants obsessively maintaining records and balancing the books.

If anyone comes up with concrete PROOF of the Sheffield tunnels rather than anecdotal evidence them please post here.

There's a huge network of amazing brick tunnels under Liverpool - they are known as The Williamson Tunnels as they were created by Joseph Williamson in the early 1800s, though his reasons for building them aren't really known.

A small section is open to the public with a visitor centre, and they have a fine website here:

http://www.williamsontunnels.com/index.htm

don't give up yet my fellow 'moles'
Tunnel Vision is back! I know of tunnels connecting Ecclesfield Church to Whitley Hall. At least half a mile long.No mess!
Talkin to vicar tommorow.
Gotta go. Need to go buy a canary!!

Thx Dom + Ecclesfield Church has a ghost of a monk?

Originally posted by The Cycleracer
I believe there is a tunnel from The Sheffield castle and goes under the Pitsmoor estate linking the old castle that used to stand in the area were Pye Bank School and the Pitsmoor estate is now.

Castle at Pitsmoor....can you remember where you read that ?

Pitsmoor got it's name because it was moorland or waste with small scale opencast or drift workings - bound to be lots of tunnels dug into the side of the hill.

GB

I read on the sign thats just near Castle Markets that there are the remains of the castle dungeon underneath. I wonder if there is anyway to find out where?

Once heard a rumour that when they redeveloped the Arundel Gate /Pond Street area in the late 1960's an under- ground bunker was built at the same time.
As anyone noticed the large reinforced steel door set into the subway wall at the bottom of Eyre Street near to the Staples store. I wonder ?

the government obviously has contigency plans, so that the country can still operate in the event of nuclear war, london being blown up, etc.

if this did happen, government would be run from sheffield.

it would make sense that their are bunkers under the city.

i also read somewhere that there was once supposedly a tunnel running from the old castle to woodhouse - around mary (or whoever) was held there.

don't know about that, but the nuclear war one is definitely true - plans were drawn up to have an emergency government in sheffield during the cold war.

This site

http://www.cybertrn.demon.co.uk/guardian/index.htm

although about Manchester, gives a fascinating insight into city underground bunkers. There are links to other cities and other nuclear monitoring installations.

There was no underground bunker in Sheffield city centre because it was situated in a contained valley. Although radiation would spread, it would be much more contained than other more open flat cities.

)Originally posted by pietro
Once heard a rumour that when they redeveloped the Arundel Gate /Pond Street area in the late 1960's an under- ground bunker was built at the same time.
As anyone noticed the large reinforced steel door set into the subway wall at the bottom of Eyre Street near to the Staples store. I wonder ?

That door doesnt lead anywhere, ive already explored it, its full of fuse boxes for the lights and some telephone switches (dont ask :evil: ).

The one thing i have heard from a guy i used to work with at moorfoot who used to do security stuff, was of an underground railway system connecting the bottom of queens road (somewhere under the ice rink) with somewhere around norton college. It is apparently used to ferry VIP's into the city, and is owned by the gov and part of a larger underground complex owned by the MoD.

Theres a rather large bomb shelter under moorfoot, but getting to it is a real pain in the proverbials. Another under the Fire Station, one under city hall, another under the town hall, and a largeish complex out towards don valley. I cant confirm all of them, but ive seen three of them.

The railway apparently runs under the normal railway because it makes the likelihood of its discovery unlikely, since u dont dig up mainlines, and power is widely available.

which three have you seen?
are they from ww2?

The one under city hall is ww2, the one under the fire station is recent, moorfoot one is the same. They are the ones ive seen.

I know theres way into the main complex via a building next the river just beyond the wicker arches, a real big tower block affair on the right. But good luck on getting access. The place is pretty heavily guarded. Its one of those so called deniability sites.

When I went to Magna about 6 months ago, I had a tour of the plant. Apparantly there are tunnels that link all the steel factories that exist or did exist in the area. Apparantly some old bloke went missing once on a visit to Magna and the police spent ages searching the tunnels. Turned out he had just got bored and gone home on the bus!

edit - actually, maybe it was the factories with the power station, I can't quite remember.

Scooby-Dooby-Doo.............

Hi all.

I was wondering if anyone had any plans or any kind of diagrams that will show the network of tunnels.

There is one tunnel that i have been in many years ago. It was a University building called the update centre in those days now called cafe Da Vincis Cyber Cafe near the Sir Fredrick mappin building. That tunnel leading from cafe Da Vincis (update Centre) lead all the way to the St Georges Church and also to the area that is now the mappin flats. There was also a door that was sealed that leads all the way to the Sir Fredrick mappin building. The door on the other side near the mappin building has been welded shut for about 20 years.

If anyone has anymore Places that they know please pm me with them.

(edited out personal information by Moon Maiden)

It has been written that there are tunels on shalesmoor under what was the old Acorn Pub built in 1864.
The great flood of 1864 badly affected the pub and in particular the tunnels that run beneath. Several people were drowned.
The Acorn called time in 1960. It was however used for a time as a jazz club called Club 60, and has since been used as plumbers merchants.

No reference has been found to date relating to the use of the tunnels or there purpose.
It is also rumoured that a large Tunnel runs from Ecclesfield Church all the way to Whitley Hall in Grenoside.
It is reported that it was something to do with the French monks using it as an escape route.


So if sheffield has so many tunnels, why the hell do we have caos on the roads,look at London put em to use stick the pedestrians in em,,,,,ha ha ha

Whereabouts is the one on the moor? Rumour has it that the firm I work for (Baldwin and Francis, bottom of Eyre Street) is built on top of an old ww2 air raid shelter, but I dont know how true it is.

Originally posted by rarstar
the government obviously has contigency plans, so that the country can still operate in the event of nuclear war, london being blown up, etc.

if this did happen, government would be run from sheffield.

it would make sense that their are bunkers under the city.

i also read somewhere that there was once supposedly a tunnel running from the old castle to woodhouse - around mary (or whoever) was held there.

don't know about that, but the nuclear war one is definitely true - plans were drawn up to have an emergency government in sheffield during the cold war.

And on this note - has anyone ever seen Threads? A film about the cold war IIRC and the part Sheffield would have in it including the scenes of Sheffield being attacked with a nuclear bomb (shortly after RAF Finningly).

Rather worrying to say the least whey you are shown it in school...

i think this must be what i was shown in school - i remember being really scared of nuclear attacks for a long while - come to think of it, i still am

Originally posted by Jayne
i think this must be what i was shown in school - i remember being really scared of nuclear attacks for a long while - come to think of it, i still am

I wonder why then... :)

this has got me really intrigued all this talk of tunels under the city, with regards to the complex accessed under the big tower block on savile street near the wicker i have seen lorries making deliveries beyond the guarded gates as i used to work opposite at the car dealership.... never realised what it could be the enterance to!

I went to see the walls of Sheffield Castle under the market last year, and the bloke who showed me round said that he remembers walking through a tunnel from the Manor to the Queens Head back in the 50s. There's got to be something in it. Surely?

Originally posted by Jon
Mikey The Yorkshire UFO Society hold meetings at the Queens Head Pub and yes a tunnel doe run from there up to the castle (btw i have written to the council about a visit down the tunnels so if they say yes you going with us?)

i want to go down the tunnels if u get permision.

Originally posted by darkstardust
And on this note - has anyone ever seen Threads? A film about the cold war IIRC and the part Sheffield would have in it including the scenes of Sheffield being attacked with a nuclear bomb (shortly after RAF Finningly).

Rather worrying to say the least whey you are shown it in school...

iv seen it, cudnt sleep for ages after watching it. good film tho

My girlfriend mentioned to me unprompted just the other day that there is a tunnel from the Manor to Castle markets area of town.

Her mother works for the Manor Development Trust, I think that's how she'd heard about it. No idea where it actually starts either end though. I'll get her to chase her mum up about it.

Well after some enquiries with the Manor & Castle Development Trust, here's their reply; sounds pretty conclusive:

---------------------------
Hi xxxxxx

Sorry to disappoint !

The tunnels really are a wonderful urban myth brought about by the many mine workings and large cellars which have been excavated in the area.

During the work on the site in the 1960's and 70's no evidence of tunnels were ever found and it is highly unlikely that any ever existed.

They allegedly stretched from the Turrett House to Sheffield Castle which would have made excavating them in the 1500's a virtual impossibility,travelling as they would have needed to through solid rock and then having to pass under the River Don. There is no evidence of spoil from these so called tunnels and working with just a pick and shovel would have taken forever .Think how long it took to dig the Channel Tunnel with all the modern technology available.

Sorry once again

-------------------------------

That's a bit of a shame but at least we now know!

Hi forum, I just found this website and thought i'd better register to make my point on this subject.
The tunnels under the city do exist, there is a picture of the entrance to Hartshead tunnel on the picturesheffield website. If anyone could get anymore info on this from the archives or local studies i'd be fascinated to know where it went, or where exactly it was.

Take a look, its very interesting. Just goto www.picturesheffield.com and search for 'hartshead' there are about 15 matches 2 of which are old pictures of the tunnel.

Hi, it is correct what you are all saying about these tunnels. sheffield is a city just built on tunnels. they run from the carbrook
hall hotel, upto the manor castle. and then there is those in the cross keys at handsworth. then again there are the tunnels from york street to the cathedral etc. i am really fascinated by these tunnels and have been from me being able to read. i also know that the tunnels which lead from the sheffield castle to manor castle are inaccessable due to landslides. tunnels even run from heeley to sheffield city centre and from the earl and arundal to high street. there was not one tunnel but upteen tunnels built for escapes to different places.
inside the old castle market at the side of the lift used to be a notice which read " keys for entance to old castle walls available "
does anyone remember this please. my mother and sister and myself used to say that the next time we were in the market we would go down.

there used to be pics of the remains on the markets website, but i'm sure that like the tunnel photos they will also be on picturesheffield too.

Was sent this e-mail which might be of interest...

i have just been looking at your letters from people interrested in tunnels under sheff and barnsley this i know nothing of but in doncaster i can confirm their is tunnels under the town with gothic carvings that is documented in many doncaster history books these were built by a guy who had a sand quarry in hyde park and built himself a house into the same of a sandstone rock face but continued under the town.in the 1970s a large block of flats were starting to subside and the council who knew about these tunells decided to fill them with concrete but before they did the ytv calender tv program took a camera crew down and filmed what was left it showed the gothic carvings that are quite well documented .these tunels were unique but the local council as usual did not take advantage of this ,i hope this might be of some interest to your chat room people who are into the sheffield tunels regards steve@doncaster

I remember an old aunt of mine walking one of the tunnels in the 1950's.

She was part of a study group belonging to the Hunter Archaeology Society.

I know that society produce an annual book for its members with papers written about their different yearly finds.

Maybe someone out there has seen a report on the tunnels.

I would be interested to learn more factual accounts about them.

oh oh oh id like to go :) bet its amazing

I still don't believe that these are anything more than a figment of vivid imaginations. Nobody has been able to prove that there is anything but Mine shafts, bell pits, adits, sewers and foundations underneath Sheffield, and Sheffield's topography hardly lends itself to the tunnels that are suggested.

Sorry to be so sceptical. :P I do like the romance of the idea :)

I've just bought a book called 'Sheffield's Time Trail: True tales from the Norfolk Park Heritage Trail.'

It talks about the tunnels under the city and one in particular is definitely known to exist. It runs from Sheffield Castle (demolished in the mid 1600's by order of the Parliamentarians in the Civil War) and goes to the Queens Head in Pond Street, which at the time was the Lord of the Manor's banqueting house.

I think the tunnel from Sheffield Castle to The Queens Head could be right, bur Manor Lodge to Queens Head..... no way!
I lived on Skye Edge in the late 40s and 50s and though there was talk about a tunnel we never found any evidence.
Manor Lodge was known to us as Maggie's Castle in those days. Its caretaker was a little old woman who always dressed in black, she was Maggie and she used to frighten us to death! She had about 20 dogs and used to walk them every night - we all kept out of her way.

Why on earth would anyone want to go to all the trouble of digging these tunnels? What purpose would they serve when you can just pop on a horse or walk?

Secrecy and skullduggery, Tony. Remember when the castle etc were built, there were plots and intrigue all over the place, a la Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I.

Yea, but why? I still don't get it. Go at night if you don't want to be seen.

Why on earth would anyone want to go underground from the Castle to the Queens head, all of 400 yds away?

I don't know of anyone that has actually seen or been into one of these tunnels - and I mean a real one, not an entry that's really a bell pit, or a bricked up door that supposedly has a secret pasage behind it. :confused:

I still think it's nothing more than a romantic fancy.

I was asking my dad about the tunnels the other day(ex fireman been down a lot of holes and underground caverns) he seems to think that tony is right and most of the tunnels were actually old mine workings and victorian sewers. he says that hes been on many calls to road collapse and landslide and they were usually mines and sewers, although he seems to think that there were tunnels from the cathedral but says most were blocked up for saftey reasons

i may be able to clear up some confusion over tunnels under sheffield.there is a network of many tunnels that run from most of sheffields public buildings(uni ,hospitals,town hall ect) i have walked down many of these .they are there for the district heating system that provides cheap heating for the said building .i hope this may help

Originally posted by max
I've heard rumours of tunnels leading from the Ponderosa under Crookes Valley Road to the park. Reputedly, they were used to store barrage balloons in WW1.

Anybody have any further knowledge of these?

Hiya Max, I have just come across this thread about tunnels under Sheffield, and read your posting about the tunnel under Crookes Valley Road. I can confirm this particular tunnel ran from Canada Street ( which was between the top of Bromley Street and Mushroom Lane ) under Crookes Valley Road. I am not sure where it came out though, possibly in Crookes Valley Park. I actually went in the tunnel as a lad in the 1950's with a few more lads but we didn't get far because there wasn't any lighting, only a shaft of light from the top of the steel doors. We did it for a prank , but I can remember it being very eerie . I think you are right about the fact of it being a storage place for barrage ballons/munitions etc., but for WW2 . "The Ponderosa " was then called " The Tip" and Bromley Street ran up the side of it. It can be viewed on www.picturesheffield.co.uk by searching for " Bromley Street "

deecee

Can anyone confirm or add to a story I remember hearing that there are tunnels from the Cross Keys pub at the top of Handsworth Road by St Mary's church - which I think is the only pub in England to be in a churchyard. The tunnels were said to lead to a large house somewhere in the area - possibly Handsworth Grange? Does anyone else know any more about this?

yeah TWA756, i read in a book called 'strange sheffield' about the tunnel leading from the pub next to St Marys church at Handsworth....cant remember where it went to lol it did say though that the entrance to the tunnel leads from the pub cellar and is blocked up by barrels but can still be seen....sure someone could blag a look if really interested. The book just went on about several other tunnels through sheffield, mainly to Manor Lodge. Think i remember something about one being under pond street. Aparantly they were used to transport Mary Queen of Scots. sounds unrealistic i suppose but no more unbelievable than a womans head being chopped off and her wig falling off first.....shame lol

wow, i never knew of so many stories about tunnels under sheffield, i knew of a few (the castle to pond st, tunnels under Ecco church to whitley hall) & also the nuclier bunker, i though there was only one of these under midland bank (place not building) near where i live. where mcdonalds is on the rounderbout of the A616 & A61 (J35A M1) on the industrial estate behind there where the (or was) Ferrero Roche building is, under there there is a nuclier bunker. dads told me many stories about this bunker & i've tryied to climb down what i thought were air shafts to this place. i've been told was a mine thats been dug deaper & strengthened by steel plates & concrete. i know of many 'airshafts' to the old mine's around where i live but most are blocked off halfway down. the only other airshaft i know of is in a back garden to a house across our road (i live opersit the salutation inn pub in high green & this house is next door to it). i know quite abit about it because my dad & his friends would go down the mines that way if they were late for work.

Isn't there a tunnel that runs from the castle to the haunted pub across from the arena?

Have just read the tunnels stories - lots of good theories. Way back all Sheffield houses as well as those in other cities had coal cellars and during WWll the ARP (Air Raid Precaution) chappies in Whitehall issued an edict or whatever that each of these cellers be linked as a possible escape route in the event of your house being bombed. A couple of decades ago in the East End of London there was yet more slum clearance only they went a little deeper and found these old linked up coal cellars. They went for hundreds of yards in some places - just like tunnels !!

For the benefit of local historians I worked at the Grand Hotel as a cellarman in the early 60s. At one point a new lift was installed which meant a stronger foundation had to be dug. In doing so they uncovered a very large and deep well. It was about 10' in diameter and bricklined. Today it would have had a preservation order slapped on it. A few years ago I went up the street that runs from Pinstone St to Barkers Pool between the School and where the hotel was (cant remember the name) but the well would have been under the ramp leading to a car park and would have possible been uncovered again when that was built. Was it ever surveyed ? I have always wondered.

Originally posted by Snook
Isn't there a tunnel that runs from the castle to the haunted pub across from the arena?

No, its from the castle to the haunted pub in Pond Street.

With regard to the comments from SaxonLeigh about the High Green area.In the early eighties I travelled from Sheffield to Barnsley every day along the A61 going past the site of the new Midland Bank building. For months I saw lorry loads of materials going onto the site but no construction work was evident from the road. I can only conclude that it goes down a very long way. Purely by coincidence at around the same time I came into contact with a guy who worked for the bank, something to do with their promotion side or similar, who told me he had been up to the site ti photograph the work in progress. Whether he should have disclosed it or not, I don't know but he said one of the pictures had been of a bank of generators, all in seperate blast proof enclosures, all with the doors open. I was told that that would not be seen again as they were to be kept in a state of constant readiness and only ever one unit would be accessed for maintenance at any time. He seemed to be of the opinion that there was a lot more to the building than than a bank computer centre. If you look at the level of security around the place now it makes you wonder if this is one of those legendary RSGs.


Derek

Originally posted by Chloe
Apparently there are loads of tunnels leading from Manor Castle to the Castle markets in town too. I don't know how true they are, but my friend works for the Manor and Castle Development Trust thingy so I'll ask her if I see her today.
Chloé

When i did local history at school we were told about the tunnels under castle markets leading to manor castle but i think they got filled in party with all the road works etc since, and i also belive there are some in hillsbrough under the barracks that were used to store weapons, and of course there is the dundgeons in the garrison, i presume there is tunnels under there also, although iv not been left school long (5 years) my memory isn't that good, but i'm sure if you contacted the local historics society for the area they could help you, they helped us with school projects.

L (",)

Well this has been very interesting there must be some truth too theese tunnels and would love too see some hard evidence.

Re Derek

Some years ago my wife did a survey of the Tankersley area in some work for the university.

Initially she visited the area with a mining surveyor who had mapped most of the old Bell mines and workings.

She applied to gain entry into the Midland Bank complex and she got permission to visit.

She subsequently visited the Midland Bank complex and was given a very limited tour.

She was vetted and screened to gain access and all the doors were double security doors-you went through one which was locked behind you before you could open the next one.

No photography was allowed and most of her questions were unanswered as it was a top security place.

There is a vast area underground and if you look closely from the perimeters you can see the large air shaft vents.

About a couple of weeks after her visit I took her back in the car to the rear of the complex to take some pictures.

We noticed several security men reach for their mobiles and within five minutes a security Land Rover turned up.

The officers asked us our business, they said that photography wasn't allowed as this was a very sensitive installation and would we please leave the area.

So it's anybodies guess as to what is going on in there.

Happy Days!!!

I recall that it was built to withstand a nuclear blast, so everything you say would make sense. Tankersley is pretty much as far away from population / industry centres as you can get whilst still being right next to the main UK road artery.

If there was anything else going on in there I think we would have heard rumours. After all, Sheffield people work there and I'm sure that there are SF members who are totally aware of its workings as a bank computer centre, nuclear blast shelter or alien spacecraft research centre. ;)

There may well be provision to use it as a local bunker, but generally I think its there because banks take security very seriously, and so they should.

Originally posted by Mike
I think that pretty much settles it then, and I reckon subbrit would have been onto them long ago if they'd existed.

Beauchief Abbey and Norton Church being linked by a tunnel would be extremely impressive, but extremely unlikey!

When I was at Rowlinson School in the early 70's, I wrote an essay about Beauchief Abbey, and I spoke to a bloke at Beauchief Hall who told me that there was tunnel connecting the Hall and the Abbey. He even took me into the grounds, and showed me a big stone slab with an iron ring in it.
But I can't confirm that the tunnel exists.

Has anyone else heard of it?

HI Rincewind

I cannot confirm it but it is no secret that many halls had tunnels connecting them to places of sanctury...just in case they were invaded by another lord and hadto make an escape.

Moon

Originally posted by Cycleracer
I believe there is a tunnel from The Sheffield castle and goes under the Pitsmoor estate linking the old castle that used to stand in the area were Pye Bank School and the Pitsmoor estate is now.
where do you mean by the 'pitsmoor estate'? I'd have thought you are referring to the old mineworks which certainly run under a lot of the area - not what one normally means by tunnels tho.

Kind of related to this thread, but still quite interesting/cool:

http://film.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/Guardian/0,4029,1299449,00.html

Secret underground cinema and restaurant found in Paris!

I thought that the buiding at tankersley was for burning money for the royal mint ( I remember my dad telling me when i was little hes a retired fireman and has had access to the building) they burn all the old bank notes there and its mainly underground

sheffield star newspapers reported some years back that a tunnel ran from the cross keys pub at handsworth to manor/sheffield castles,it was, after investigation,bricked up.the cross keys pub used to belong to handsworth church, possible mary queen of scots connection ?

Originally posted by Lucy81
i also belive there are some in hillsbrough under the barracks that were used to store weapons, and of course there is the dundgeons in the garrison, i presume there is tunnels under there also.L (",)

Just to say that I've heard this one too... that there's a tunnel from the Barracks to the old Boys Club across the road - which was some sort of medical block or something...? The staff at the Boys Club (now the 393 Club) MAY be able to offer some assistance....? Or possibly staff at Morrisions - they aint going to be tied by the same issues with regard to confidentiality, surely?

Originally posted by darkstardust
And on this note - has anyone ever seen Threads? A film about the cold war IIRC and the part Sheffield would have in it including the scenes of Sheffield being attacked with a nuclear bomb (shortly after RAF Finningly).

Rather worrying to say the least whey you are shown it in school...

And just to let you know, I have Threads on DVD - it's still available (I think from BBC Website), and still very scary.

Of course, if you 'oomans want to start digging around below ground you'll need an authorisation chit from us...

My ex’boyfriends -Best Mate......
-lived and worked at 'The Old Queens Head,' for about 7/8yrs.
(His Parent's were Tenant’s /Landlord’s -In 1980’s)


He was convinced that tunnels ran to both Manor & Sheffield Castle.
(Sure he’d partly been down the tunnel underneath the Pub at some point!')

He was responsible for Cellar/Bar duties -and told me he was absolutely 'terrified,' of having to step foot in to that Cellar!
Also said, particular areas were places of frequent unpleasant happenings
-near the tunnel entrance (in cellar) +1 room in particular.

Happenings such as:
-Foul /pungent, horrible smells appearing from nowhere, sudden cold spots appearing -actually said felt he’d been touched! A baby crying …..quite often in middle of night…….Allsorts.

In all honesty ....His hair was totally grey when 30yrs old!
(Claimed -because of living at pub!)

I was fascinated by the whole subject, but after a short time, he’d want to close the subject.
Could see, he was still shook up by experience’s living at the Pub. - This was 5yr on!

He Prob was aware, Peep’s would think he’d …. ‘Gone Bonkers,
-‘Properly Cockled it!’ -Having chats with Elvis regular & stuff to that effect!

Haven’t seen him for a couple of years. Been thinking of dropping in recently anyhow & catching up!
If I get back in touch ok, will ask him to post thread if poss.
-I Know there’s much interest on the subject!

Must say, It’s common knowledge, ‘The Queens Head’ has extensive, active history!
It’s noticeable there’s lot’s of different Interpretation’s/ & rumours too!
Most are familiar with / heard about the ‘Tunnels’ that apparently connect several locations -including ‘The Queen’s Head!’

My Mum’s talked about ‘Secret Network of Tunnels,’ often over the years.
She grew up on Manor & Park estates. So did my Gran!
-As kid’s, told stories & surround history in Legend & Myth themselves!

I myself have always heard the tunnel entrance; to ‘The Queens Head,’ collapsed -crushing several people to death, as they tried to use it as an escape route.
-Then again, always heard that, Mary Queen of Scott’s was actually ‘Captured’ within the Pub/Tunnel entrance too???



Angel x

errrmmm .....

Iv'e Seen how long my last thread is!
-Be like reading: -'War & Peace!'



x

Oooh, put me on the list too!

Does anyone know anything about the underground passages that purportedly link the Old Queen’s Head pub to Sheffield Castle and the Manor? Also there are supposed to be tunnels between Bishop’s House and Meersbrook Hall, Beauchief Abbey and Millhouses Corn Mill (the entrance being in one of the cellars on Knaresborough Road), as well as one from Heeley Hall to various places including the Manor. I guess if there are any they will be bricked up – but it would be nice to find one to explore…

If you search on the forum there is a lot about the sheffield tunnels far too much for me to type but worth looking at.

When I was a kid I always used to wonder where the rivers went when they went under the city, and if you could sail along them.

We were forbidden from finding out though as it was "too dangerous", apparently.

Surprise, surprise, a mouse that likes tunnels. I've been fascinated by the unknown world of tunnels below Sheffield and other cities for ages. It's always caught my attention when there have been programs about the sewer system and the fact some are big enough to get a car through. Underground air raid shelters. the caves on Winnats Pass, the Paris sewers which have boats in them, the London underground and all the disused stations and sections of closed branch lines.
When I was little I wanted to get a canoe and follow the river Sheaf down under the city, the sight of a few rats swimming near Little London road wouldn't dissuade me either.

Try Here:

http://www.sheffieldforum.com/showthread.php?threadid=13360



and this one about an actual nuclear bunker in manchester:

http://www.cybertrn.demon.co.uk/guardian/index.htm

:)

Originally posted by WALLBUILDER
the Paris sewers which have boats in them

you see yourself as some Phantom Of The Opera character with a huge gothic underground lair, with pianos and chandeliers and candelabra ?

"The Phantom of The Crucible" doesn't sound as good, and it would be a bit smelly.

not sheffield specific (far from it alas), but

urbex (http://www.urbex.co.uk/)

infiltration.org (http://www.infiltration.org/)

Where I'm from in the North East there's old tunnels linking up old buildings and it was for catholic priests to escape persecution under the reign of King Henry VIII when he officially made himself head of the Church of England in 1530

...just a thought....

Originally posted by AJCrowley
not sheffield specific (far from it alas), but

urbex (http://www.urbex.co.uk/)

infiltration.org (http://www.infiltration.org/)

Cool, where could we break into (in a legal way of course) in Sheffield ?

Originally posted by nick2
you see yourself as some Phantom Of The Opera character with a huge gothic underground lair, with pianos and chandeliers and candelabra ?

"The Phantom of The Crucible" doesn't sound as good, and it would be a bit smelly.

Unfortunately can't play the piano or any other musical instrument for that matter, I sometimes think the mask could come in useful though.
I've just walked through Millhouses park and the storm drains that feed into the river are causing rather a pong so I'm not so keen on the sewer/drain idea but has anyone got a canoe?

Originally posted by WALLBUILDER
Unfortunately can't play the piano or any other musical instrument for that matter, I sometimes think the mask could come in useful though.
I've just walked through Millhouses park and the storm drains that feed into the river are causing rather a pong so I'm not so keen on the sewer/drain idea but has anyone got a canoe?

We could nick one from Norton swimming pool ?

Mod: Threads merged. Please can people use the search link before posting things that may have already had threads about it

Originally posted by nick2
Cool, where could we break into (in a legal way of course) in Sheffield ?

Count me in

Originally posted by Lucy81
and i also belive there are some in hillsbrough under the barracks that were used to store weapons, and of course there is the dundgeons in the garrison, i presume there is tunnels under there also,
L (",)

The 'barracks' was indeed riddled with tunnels.

They were very small (about 30cm wide and 30cm high and made of brick. These fed water which came in via a spring at the top gate (near the officer's quarters - Sheffield Insulations) into very large underground vaults (also made of brick). These vaults were about the size of railway carriages. The purpose was to store water for fire fighting. I have an old army survey drawing showing them all - there were 3 vaults under what is now the two level car park and there were 2 very large vaults under Morrisons store.

There were no tunnels under the guard house - now the Garrison Hotel.

Originally posted by BoroughGal
Just to say that I've heard this one too... that there's a tunnel from the Barracks to the old Boys Club across the road - which was some sort of medical block or something...? The staff at the Boys Club (now the 393 Club) MAY be able to offer some assistance....? Or possibly staff at Morrisions - they aint going to be tied by the same issues with regard to confidentiality, surely?

Army survey drawing doesn't show a tunnel to the Old Boys Club. I did hear that the OBC was used by the Barracks but possibly not as a medical block. The Barracks had its own hospital within the grounds. It was the tall building nearest to the North end where the new bus stands are.

The Commanding Officer's house stood outside the walls where the buses are now (and previously a petrol station). I heard rumour he had a tunnel back into the Barracks, but the survey fails to show that.

More tunnels:-

Apparently Kelham Island Museum used to be a generating station for the power which drove the original trams. In the basement is a tunnel which slopes down under the river / goyt which you cross to get to the entrance. I was told this used to take the cables into the town centre - somewhere near Castle Square. It was blocked off with a brick wall some way in. There were hundreds of old army helmets stored in there.

My Grandma used to live Next to meersbrook park in the 70s in a large house on brook road. In the cellar of most of the local houses, was a door which led to a huge air raid shelter under the grass, in the park, alongside brook road, just near the buildings which used to be the ruskin museum or whatever it was. I used to go in the park when I visited, and in this field, were boarded up windows set into the ground.

If you walk along brook road now down from the school and past beeton road, you notice that the road is in a bad state at certain positions. This I believe, is where the tunnels under the road have collapsed.

In addition to this, I have been in many cellars of old terraced houses in the woodseats area. And it is very common to find a doorway which has been bricked up with more modern bricks. Again this was to allow people to escape to the next door house during the bombings in WWII. :)

has anyone ever heard of any rumours of tunnels leading from under the old Infirmary next to where kelvin flats used to be?
I did go into the old infirmary before it was redeveloped but never dared going right down into the cellars due to lack of a torch so don't know if the rumours are true or not.
id be very interested to know if anybody else has heard of tunnels round there.

There were tunnels underneath the infirmary that simply linked the two main buildings to avoid wheeling patients on beds through the grounds for operations, x-rays, etc.

I can't imagine for a minute why they would go off site so I wouldn't think they did. Interestingly they were supposed to be VERY haunted.

My Grandad,( sadly missed) would be almost 90 by now. He used to tell all sorts of stories when we were kids.... one story i remember well was that of a stunt they used to get up to as kids. In Darnall at the bottom of Prince of Whales Rd, on the right , there was a huge church. ( I vaguely remember this being knocked down in my time).As a kid, my Grandad and his mates used to go into tunnels here, lift up a huge manhole cover that was under there, drop it and listen for the loud echoing bang. The people in the church would run out thinking that there was an air raid or something.......watched by the 'boys' who by this time had climed out of the tunnels.......

according to my old history teacher there are tunnels linking the old manor lodge to the old manor castle which if i am not mistaken used to stand somewhere around the esso petrol station on blonk street (lady's bridge) the bridge was called lady's due mary queen of scots being transported from there to the lodge and back again daily throughout her inprisonment.

the manor lodge and the manor "castle" (I presume you meant the manor house?) both stand/stood on manor lane, you may be thinking of Sheffield Castle, which stood on an area borderd by the river at blonk steet/ lady's bridge. and went up the hill where waingate /haymarket is now, as far as at least FitzAlan square.

I am very interested in the study of history, particularly the Tudor times, and, from what I understand, MQoS's imprisonment in sheffield Manor was not what we might think of as Imprisonment.

She had a considerable amount of liberty during her long stay; she was permitted to ride out on horses, and to go hunting, she had an entourage to attend to her, as befitted her royal status. It wasn't "bread and water, in a dank, cold dungeon" such as a commoner would have had to endure. she was well fed (at the expense of her "gaoler", the lord of the manor!) and well looked after.

At the time of her stay, the manor castle had recently undergone remodelling, the plans of which, give the impression of a building that looked very much like Hampton Court Palace. (including a gatehouse, with a twin tower design that faced over the east end of sheffield. A structure which would have been intensely impressive, and grand.)

So, Sheffield Manor of the late 16th century would have been "state of the art", the epitome of Luxury, innovation, and newness for the time.

as for tunnels... I seriously doubt that they are anything but old mine workings. I doubt that they are anything significant...

there are always rumours about tunnels cropping up, here and there, I heard one rumour that said that the pedestrian subway that used to exist at Manor Top (MT) had a nuclear shelter beneath it.

"in the subway, you can see the door! was the excited cry from one of my more gullible friends.

the subway is long-gone, and, I assume, any hint of a Bunker, of any kind. The person that told me this was adamant, it existed.

I was sceptical, to say the least.

They said, "it's true! Honest! It's for the Territorial army base at MT!"

My reply (well, the printable bit..! )
was along the lines of "Yeah, right. they are going to run to something five minutes' run away when the four minute warning goes off! it would make much more sense if this (doubtful) bunker were to be situated* inside* the army base.. no?"

PT

Originally posted by Tony
I recall that it was built to withstand a nuclear blast, so everything you say would make sense. Tankersley is pretty much as far away from population / industry centres as you can get whilst still being right next to the main UK road artery.

If there was anything else going on in there I think we would have heard rumours. After all, Sheffield people work there and I'm sure that there are SF members who are totally aware of its workings as a bank computer centre, nuclear blast shelter or alien spacecraft research centre. ;)

There may well be provision to use it as a local bunker, but generally I think its there because banks take security very seriously, and so they should.

I did my school workexperience at the Midland Bank's (now HSBC) Data Centre back in 1994. I worked in the actual data centre for a while (under close supervision :) ).
The Air Vents you can see from the rear of the site cycle air to and from the data centre.
the security in that place back then was quite frankly near-futuristic :)
Apparently the building was built to withstand a so-many megaton nuclear device. And of course they have generators, you reckon they'd rely on National Grid with all those computers and stuff?

dont know whether anyone has mentioned them and i cant be bothered to read ALL the posts, but Holt House on Abbeydale Rd has got tunnels too, lots of boiler rooms apartently were connected. my gramps was caretakers and knew of lots of scary going ons there. think its being mentioned b4 on here? by one of the spritiual type people/ghost hunters.
what did they fill the hole in the road in with?? all cement?? imagine Time Team in couple hundred years. bet that tramp is under there with those fish!!

Originally posted by gillmarx
according to my old history teacher there are tunnels linking the old manor lodge to the old manor castle which if i am not mistaken used to stand somewhere around the esso petrol station on blonk street (lady's bridge) the bridge was called lady's due mary queen of scots being transported from there to the lodge and back again daily throughout her inprisonment.
Sorry, but the castle stood where the castle market is, they excavated some of the site last year, and Lady's Bridge got its name because at one end there used to be a chapel , rather like the one in Rotherham, dedicated to the Virgin Mary:thumbsup:

Originally posted by algy
and Lady's Bridge got its name because at one end there used to be a chapel , rather like the one in Rotherham, dedicated to the Virgin Mary:thumbsup: this says (http://www.oldtowns.co.uk/Yorkshire/sheffield.htm) At what period or, how it passed into the family of De Lovetot is uncertain ; but it is found to be in their possession in the early part of the reign of Henry I. The Lovetots selected this part of their extensive possessions for their baronial residence, and promoted the interests and aided the industry of their tenants. They founded an hospital, called St. Leonard's (suppressed in the reign of Henry VIII), upon an eminence still called Spital Hill, established a cornmill, and erected a bridge over the river Don, then and still called the Lady's Bridge, from the chapel of the Blessed Lady of the Bridge, which had previously stood near the spot ; and by their exertions and protection fixed here the nucleus of a town, which the natural advantages, of the locality afterwards sustained and swelled into importance.

so i take it since this thread started...many have sifted through the internet/books and what ever (me included) and nobody can find a thing...which i find weird...there MUST be somesort of underground "stuff" in and around haymarket...with the courts being the "OLD TOWNHALL" and all...and the castle etc...

Would'nt worry about it too much if I were you - they've all probably collapsed by now anyway...

Originally posted by juliediane
Hi, it is correct what you are all saying about these tunnels. sheffield is a city just built on tunnels. they run from the carbrook
hall hotel, upto the manor castle. and then there is those in the cross keys at handsworth. then again there are the tunnels from york street to the cathedral etc. i am really fascinated by these tunnels and have been from me being able to read. i also know that the tunnels which lead from the sheffield castle to manor castle are inaccessable due to landslides. tunnels even run from heeley to sheffield city centre and from the earl and arundal to high street. there was not one tunnel but upteen tunnels built for escapes to different places.
inside the old castle market at the side of the lift used to be a notice which read " keys for entance to old castle walls available "
does anyone remember this please. my mother and sister and myself used to say that the next time we were in the market we would go down.
hi re castle walls beneath the market i think you have to apply at the market office ( top floor ) people are only taken down on thurs afternoon

Originally posted by deecee
Hiya Max, I have just come across this thread about tunnels under Sheffield, and read your posting about the tunnel under Crookes Valley Road. I can confirm this particular tunnel ran from Canada Street ( which was between the top of Bromley Street and Mushroom Lane ) under Crookes Valley Road. I am not sure where it came out though, possibly in Crookes Valley Park. I actually went in the tunnel as a lad in the 1950's with a few more lads but we didn't get far because there wasn't any lighting, only a shaft of light from the top of the steel doors. We did it for a prank , but I can remember it being very eerie . I think you are right about the fact of it being a storage place for barrage ballons/munitions etc., but for WW2 . "The Ponderosa " was then called " The Tip" and Bromley Street ran up the side of it. It can be viewed on www.picturesheffield.co.uk by searching for " Bromley Street "

deecee
hi the tunnel you refer to went under crookes valley road and came out in a very deep vertical shaft wich was protected by circular 9 ft stone wall with barbed wire on top this was sited beside the bowling green pavillion in the park as a lad i lived in the weston park hotel and spent many hours in the park we too went through the tunnel with a torch but being unable to scale the shaft had to come back it was something to do with draining the lake wich used to be a resevoire for the area

Originally posted by NatalieSheff
dont know whether anyone has mentioned them and i cant be bothered to read ALL the posts, but Holt House on Abbeydale Rd has got tunnels too, lots of boiler rooms apartently were connected. my gramps was caretakers and knew of lots of scary going ons there. think its being mentioned b4 on here? by one of the spritiual type people/ghost hunters.
what did they fill the hole in the road in with?? all cement?? imagine Time Team in couple hundred years. bet that tramp is under there with those fish!!


When the hole in the road was filled in they used the crushed demolition ruble from the flats up Hyde Park. The shop cavities were filled with concrete first and then lorry loads of rubble wewre tipped in and compacted tto give a solid base for the tram network that was under construction at the time.

there is still a tunnel which goes from hillsborough barracks to the 393 youth club which of course is a old soliders home aswell as the old hillsborough boys club once got to have a look at the tunnel in club when i was a youth there also went to work there aswell all remains of this is that it only got filled in so far from cliub side and then bricked up

When I was a nipper many years ago, I was told there was tunnels running from Pye Bank to either Sheffield Castle or Manor Castle can't remember which. Don't know if its true but theres no smoke without fire.

I remember reading in one of the history of sheffield by R.E.Leader about the train tunnels that ran from the station at the Wicker. They ran under the houses at Pitsmoor and when they went under the houses everything shook. If you look behind the car yard just past the wicker on your way down saville street you can see where they bricked up the tunnel.He also mentions about mine shafts collapsing there as well, due to floods.It took parts of the houses away that were built on them when they collapsed.

Originally posted by pitsmoorboy
When I was a nipper many years ago, I was told there was tunnels running from Pye Bank to either Sheffield Castle or Manor Castle can't remember which. Don't know if its true but theres no smoke without fire.


As Gleighton says there was/is a tunnel linking the old Midland station (which later became a goods yard) to the LNER goods yard. It runs under an area known as Spital Fields rather than Pye Bank. And Pitsmoor of course gets it's name from all the old mine workings in the area, but an ancient tunnel from there to the castle seems unlikely (though not impossible) as it would have to go under the river.

If there were any escape tunnels out of the castle it's strange that the Royalists didn't use them rather than risk having their heads chopped off by the Roundheads ;)

Originally posted by Tony
There were tunnels underneath the infirmary that simply linked the two main buildings to avoid wheeling patients on beds through the grounds for operations, x-rays, etc.

I can't imagine for a minute why they would go off site so I wouldn't think they did. Interestingly they were supposed to be VERY haunted.

They use to use the tunnel for the patients to go to chapel on a sunday to save them going outside.

In fact is access to the tunnell in what is now the Norwich Union building?

I have a vague recollection of being told, as a child, about tunnels under Laughton from the Norman Church (St Johns) (http://www.j31.co.uk/stjohns.htm) to either Dinnington or Roche Abbey (http://cistercians.shef.ac.uk/roche/) at Maltby...

That would be one hell of a tunnel but they were in place for the monks to escape the soldiers...

or something :huh:

This is fascinating ! Taken me almost an hour to wade through every message and follow the links, thanks everyone for such interesting stuff.

With ref to Mary QoS "imprisonment" - plain talker you are absolutely right, she lived a life of luxury.... and most of it not even in Sheffield. Whilst "imprisoned" in Sheffield, she was usually to be found living it up at Chatsworth house. If you tour the house, her room is preserved with it's original furniture and information about her stays there whilst she was being held in Sheffield.

In closing... no one has yet been able to show any evidence of actual tunnels. Just 2nd hand memories and passed down theories.

Does anyone have anything concrete?

Dave

Originally posted by Strix
this says (http://www.oldtowns.co.uk/Yorkshire/sheffield.htm) They founded (snipped slightly)an hospital, called St. Leonard's established a cornmill, and erected a bridge over the river Don, then and still called the Lady's Bridge, from the chapel of the Blessed Lady of the Bridge, which had previously stood near the spot.

they were called "chapels of ease" if I have my facts right. there's one of these chapels, very similar to the one at Rotherham, as you go into Wakefield.

PT

Originally posted by Jon
Has anyone ever been in the tunnels under the city centre? And does anyone have access into the tunnels making it possible for myself and others to walk around them sometime :wink: ?

Jon

I understand that the tunnels run under the Manor castle as previously been pointed out where Mary Queen of scotts was indeed imprisoned. I also understand that she was walked to her execution from the tunnels that run from under the public house called Cross Keys at Handsworth / under St Marys church at Handsworth right through to Manor Castle. Hence the Pub in Pond Street called the Queens Head (listed building)

That would have been a heck of a tunnel seeing as she was executed at Fotheringay Castle in Northamptonshire :thumbsup:

.........................

Originally posted by pabloescobar

Also there were tunnels linking the police station on West Bar to the Courts.
any escaped prisoners??

.........................

when i worked at the alexander hotel on the corner of exchange st a waiter called walter who worked there just after they started building the castle markets showed me some photos of the tunnels that they found and told me that he and his mate walked into them until they got so scared that they turned back. afterwards they were filled in and the markets built walter said that the tunnels went in the direction of the queens head in pond st

Originally posted by mikey
They are part of the manor castle, I think. They link the castle to the Queens Head Pub. (Mary Queen of Scots and all that, she was imprisoned there for a few years)

There is a society for the castle maybe they can help you. Let me know as I may be interested in taking a look

They have never proved that tunnels run from Manor Castle to the Queens Head pub, tunnels do criss cross Sheffield but they are more likely to be connected to Shefield Castle.
In one tunnel a sword and a chair and table were found some time ago. There was a theory that a tunnel ran from Manor Castle to the Cross Keys at Handsworth but I dont what evidence brought this idea about. A lot of the tunnels are actually Coal Mine shafts, Sheffield had quite a few Pits and they could not fill them in so they were left.

Originally posted by haggis
a waiter called walter

LOL try saying that when pished :)

Originally posted by Wattsy
I understand that the tunnels run under the Manor castle as previously been pointed out where Mary Queen of scotts was indeed imprisoned. I also understand that she was walked to her execution from the tunnels that run from under the public house called Cross Keys at Handsworth / under St Marys church at Handsworth right through to Manor Castle. Hence the Pub in Pond Street called the Queens Head (listed building)

She'd have had a bloomin' long walk... ;)

She was executed at Fotheringay Castle, February 8, 1587.

PT

Originally posted by Gleighton
I remember reading in one of the history of sheffield by R.E.Leader about the train tunnels that ran from the station at the Wicker. They ran under the houses at Pitsmoor and when they went under the houses everything shook. If you look behind the car yard just past the wicker on your way down saville street you can see where they bricked up the tunnel.He also mentions about mine shafts collapsing there as well, due to floods.It took parts of the houses away that were built on them when they collapsed.

Where did this tunnel come out? I have noticed the bricked up entrance behind the vauxhall garage and wondered where it led.

Originally posted by lazarus
They have never proved that tunnels run from Manor Castle to the Queens Head pub, tunnels do criss cross Sheffield but they are more likely to be connected to Shefield Castle.
In one tunnel a sword and a chair and table were found some time ago. There was a theory that a tunnel ran from Manor Castle to the Cross Keys at Handsworth but I dont what evidence brought this idea about. A lot of the tunnels are actually Coal Mine shafts, Sheffield had quite a few Pits and they could not fill them in so they were left. have you any more information or details about these items found in the tunnel? its very interesting and i would love to be able to see them if possible,perhaps it was a guards station that they found, have they been given to the museum in sheffield do you know?

Correct me if I'm wrong but to avoid confusion and be strictly correct, shouldn't we be talking about Sheffield Manor House (not Manor Castle), to avoid confusion with Sheffield Castle?

Originally posted by Saxon
Correct me if I'm wrong but to avoid confusion and be strictly correct, shouldn't we be talking about Sheffield Manor House (not Manor Castle), to avoid confusion with Sheffield Castle? its a local area thing,i was born round the corner from it and have always known it as the manor castle when in fact it was a lodge used while hunting on the park

Originally posted by Saxon
Correct me if I'm wrong but to avoid confusion and be strictly correct, shouldn't we be talking about Sheffield Manor House (not Manor Castle), to avoid confusion with Sheffield Castle?

I grew up near Manor CASTLE, it was always called that even though everybody knew it was a lodge --- so to me and the people that grew up near the castle, it will remain the Castle

Sorry, this is completely unrelated but I would like to speak to you about a posting from months ago regarding Cuneo's in sheffield, I am currently researching my family history which includes the Cuneo's, you seemed to have information about them so I woundered if you were also researching them.

Please rely !!

Originally posted by levans44
Sorry, this is completely unrelated but I would like to speak to you about a posting from months ago regarding Cuneo's in sheffield, I am currently researching my family history which includes the Cuneo's, you seemed to have information about them so I woundered if you were also researching them.

Please rely !! The information that I had about Cuneos was from ASPECTS OF SHEFFIELD 2 (available at Sheffield Scene) On page 90 there is a referance to the CUNEOS
living in Lambert St in 1871 at No 41. There was Andrew and his wife Maria along with their six children also his son-in-law lived with them but the family were not new to Sheffield as all the children were born in the City and the family as I said in an earlier post were listed as Musicians and in 1876 they were listed as Ice cream makers.

Originally posted by lazarus
The information that I had about Cuneos was from ASPECTS OF SHEFFIELD 2 (available at Sheffield Scene) On page 90 there is a referance to the CUNEOS
living in Lambert St in 1871 at No 41. There was Andrew and his wife Maria along with their six children also his son-in-law lived with them but the family were not new to Sheffield as all the children were born in the City and the family as I said in an earlier post were listed as Musicians and in 1876 they were listed as Ice cream makers.

Thanks for the info, I had that info already as I am researching them for family history purposes, I have trace them back to a small town called Coreglia Ligure near Genoa, which we will be visiting in 5 weeks time. I will dig the book out form the library though to see if it gives me any other information.

Thanks again

Originally posted by jackthedog
Where did this tunnel come out? I have noticed the bricked up entrance behind the vauxhall garage and wondered where it led.

This tunnel linked the old LMS Goods Station on Saville street with the Bridgehouses Goods Station belonging to the LNER opposite the bottom end of Corporation street. You can (or could) see the exit from the bridge on Chatham street.

Most of what was the Bridgehouses Goods Station is to be buried under the Inner Ring Road scheme.

It was rumoured that there was a tunnel/tunnels leading from Queens Towers to Manor Lodge. I don't know how true these rumours were though.

Originally posted by Greybeard
This tunnel linked the old LMS Goods Station on Saville street with the Bridgehouses Goods Station belonging to the LNER opposite the bottom end of Corporation street. You can (or could) see the exit from the bridge on Chatham street.

Most of what was the Bridgehouses Goods Station is to be buried under the Inner Ring Road scheme.

So I presume the Bridgehouses Goods Station sat up on top of the tall wall (which is now being demolished) where the old IMO car wash buiding is?
And I presume the Woodhead line passed by it?

I am interested in the old magistrates court in sheffield, apparently they have underground tunnels that lead to snig hill police cells. is this true? Also there are supposed to be other secret tunnels that lead to the city centre anybody no anything about this?

[MOD NOTE] threads merged.

i heard there is still a tunnel in use from castle ruins to the queens head pub . . . . you have to pass thru wybourn so it was safer using the tunnels to avoid the muggings. . . . even the rottweillers hang round in pairs :heyhey:

Now don't hold me to this as I was not their at the time, but the source is pretty trustworthy and apparenty it was reported in a sheffield paper during the late 70's early 80's.

It goes that the grounds keeper / caretaker of Beauchief Abbey was digging up the flower bed at the back of the Abbey when the ground caved in to reveal what he though was an old water well. This was apparently documented and a firm was called in to check that the well was dry so they could fill it in and have the flower bed back. The firm (no idea who) sent a guy down the well on a rope to check out the bottom of. Once he got to the bottom their was no water at all but 2 large wooded doors with metal studds all over it. The guy was not too impressed about finding these doors and came back up in a hurry. (not really want you want at the bottom of a well.) For some unknow reason it was decided that the hole would be filled in, apparently it took 2 full cement lorries to fill it. I have looked my self in the central libary, but it mainly seems to be concentrated on the Castle.

What I do know as 100% fact is - The hammer and pincers pub on Ringinglow road (bents Green) use to be a blacksmiths. The last blacksmiths before you went on the old road to manchester. (still had the old anvil out the back when I worked there) a bit further up the road at the back of silverdale school and the fire station are thrift house cottages. Originally (in the time of the blacksmiths not the pub) thrift house was a Monks bakery, supplied the travelers with fresh bread before setting off to manchester. This bakery was run by monks from the Beauchief Abbey.

This is now where things are not so clear. "Apparently" their is meant to be a tunnel running from the Abbey to Thrift house, the reason for this tunnel was to help the monks escape with the gold/treasure and documents when attacked by invaders. The entrance to the tunnel at thrift house is meant to be under the outside wall on the end cottage nearest the fields. under the floor of the last cottage. When I was at silverdale the cottages were referbished after all of them were gutted by fire, The builders never actually knocked down the walls or messed about with the floors ( I presume that they are a listed building), best way to check is ask the owner of the end cottage if you can dig up the stone living room floor.

If there is a tunnel leading from the Thrift house cottages to Beauchief Abbey it would have to be very deep, follow the contours of the land and purley for time saving be in a straight line to the Abbey - but then what else did the Monks have to do with their time for all those centurys !!!!!.

I am more likely to belive that yes there are some tunnels at Thrift house and at Beauchief Abbey, but they don't actually go anywhere. More like just lead off for maybe upto 1/4 of a mile and end in a chamber where the could hide things out of the way.

Their are meant to be documents in the vaults of the central libary giving fairly detailed locations of the entrances and the directions that these "Tunnels" go in. I have asked in the past about these documents but just hit a blank wall, and blank expressions normally, hence why I don't bother any more.

I'm a bit sceptical about the idea of a tunnel running between the Abbey, and Bents Green. (I'm not saying that the report in the paper was not made in good faith, BTW)

after all, that's situated on top of one of the highest hills in Sheffield. how on earth would the monks at the abbey

a) be able to get a tunnel to run UNDER the River Sheaf? and then

b) how would they get a tunnel to run, right up up to the great height needed at Bents Green/ Ringinglow, from the depth of where the Sheaf runs along the bottom of the valley? the impracticability of the amount of "climb" is what stopped sheffield getting an "underground"/ metro system, like London or Tyneside.

PT

I wonder if this is a mixture of several stories? Thrift House is a short distance off Ringinglow Road, which was a Turnpike Road and earlier a packhorse route, and there was a bakery at Thrift House which served the local big houses, as well as travellers along the Road. In mediaeval times yew trees were used as signposts or boundary markers, and there used to be a line of seven yews called the Monks' Guides which marked the way for the monks who travelled from the Abbey up what's now Millhouses Lane to the chapel at Ecclesall to hold services. Although it's not on the route, near to Thrift House is a yew tree which is believed to be the oldest tree in Sheffield, and could be as much as 800 years old. Put all these together and stir well! On the other hand, the first mention of Thrift House is in 1504, so it existed well before the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the Abbey had rights to a lot of land in the Porter and Mayfield Valleys, and Thrift House would be on a possible route between the land and the Abbey.

Never mind a mixture of stories, these are all just fanciful tales based on people discovering old shallow drift mines and bell pits which cover most of Sheffield.

There are no mysterious tunnels under Sheffield.

Originally posted by Tony
Never mind a mixture of stories, these are all just fanciful tales based on people discovering old shallow drift mines and bell pits which cover most of Sheffield.

There are no mysterious tunnels under Sheffield.

I would doubt around the thrift house area as it's either solid clay or marsh land. The fire station at Ringinglow is built on a massive concrete base as the area was very soggy marsh. Their is still a natural spring and small pond at the back of the fire station that used to feed the marsh, now after the little pond, it drains straight into sewer.

Does any know how old Castle Dyke house is?

Originally posted by dreamscape


Does any know how old Castle Dyke house is?

Actually the stream used to feed a row of troughs on the lane to Thrift House. It's now culverted under the lane and feeds a large pond in the garden below the lane. It then flows down the hill to Parkhead through gardens on Bents Drive, Hill Turrets and by Parkhead Post Office.

The first mention I can find of Castle Dyke is 1829 when it was leased by Thomas Kershaw from the Hollis Trust. Sometime around the turn of the century it was either enlarged or rebuilt. In 1900 Ernest Hague bought it from the Trust for £5,750. The Council purchased it in 1943 and it became a residential home in 1946. In 1989 the house and 4.1 acres of land were sold at auction for £835,000 and it became a private house again. And we know who lives there now don't we:thumbsup:

Originally posted by algy
......Castle Dyke.......... And we know who lives there now don't we:thumbsup:

No! Enlighten us (or at least me!)

this may have already bin mentioned But anyone remember any tunnels on the fields at the end of skyedge Av?, maybe 1960's

Originally posted by dreamscape
I would doubt around the thrift house area as it's either solid clay or marsh land.
So no tunnels there then eh? :)

Originally posted by Saxon
No! Enlighten us (or at least me!)
Clue: a boxer who likes fast cars. (or so I'm told)

I have been reading this thread for over an hour now. Totally fascinating. I can believe there are some underground bunker things, after all the country did go a bit nuts for a while but I am surprised that none are opened up on the "look what we have got in Sheffield" way of things. I must admit I wouldn't mind nosing round them myself.

Im looking for any information regarding the supposed tunnels from Sheffield Manor Castle, Manor Lane,

From what im aware these tunnels went to Castle Market?, Attercliffe?

Anyone know anything about it?

Have a look at this (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13360) thread. It's an old one that covered tunnels in Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool etc. It's a really interesting thread, but may dispel some of the myths about Sheffield tunnels.

There's also this (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12091&perpage=15&highlight=tunnels%20manchester&pagenumber=1) one that covered nuclear bunkers in various places that is also quite interesting.

According to one of the blokes working on the building on Fargate ,they have found a tunnel from there to Manor Castle

I believe this one on Fargate oes under the "boots" store at the bottom. A friend of mine used to work there and the staff were convinced the basement was haunted due to the tunnel .

Just trying to contact my dad regarding a post a few pages back.

My granparents lived in Pitsmoor up to the 1960's, and at the back of their garden, there was the remnant of a huge wall, completely covered in ivy, and built to standard far beyond that was necassery for a garden, i seem to remember at least 15 feet high.In the wall was a carved stone, i think with some kind of circular pattern.

I was told it dated back many centuries, when Pitsmoor was a modest walk from the castle.My very vague memory seems to recall it being talked of as some part of a barrack,and it may link to a previously mentioned 'something' in the Pitsmoor area, which may then have a tenuous link to any castle / tunnel story.

I'll re-post when i get the name of the road, house, wall etc.

Originally posted by derek
With regard to the comments from SaxonLeigh about the High Green area.In the early eighties I travelled from Sheffield to Barnsley every day along the A61 going past the site of the new Midland Bank building. For months I saw lorry loads of materials going onto the site but no construction work was evident from the roa