I am currently researching the old derelict house on strines road/mortimer road in derbyshire/sheffield. I have heard rumors that a man killed his family there but am not sure as to wether or not these rumors are true. I would appreciate any information that anyone can give me as to the history of the house as it could prove valuble to my ongoing research of properties in that area.

Yours

Noswal

Any ideas as to the year ?

owdlad.

Not to sure as to the year. I know the house has been empty for some time. THe rumour was that the father/husband killed his wife and children and then did a runner to france, ever since then the house has been empty. Rumour or fact?. Do you know of any Sheffield based archive that may be able to help?

Originally posted by Noswal
Not to sure as to the year. I know the house has been empty for some time. THe rumour was that the father/husband killed his wife and children and then did a runner to france, ever since then the house has been empty. Rumour or fact?. Do you know of any Sheffield based archive that may be able to help?

The police!

While they probably wont post you a case file, it is possible that the case was notorious enough (if it is true) that someone is still remembers the gory details. If they don't help, you can bally well ask them why they have a link on their site to the Campaign for Freedom of Information.... :-)

not heard of that but a man supposedly killed his family i beleive at a wedding reception nearby at at an old hall i,ll try to find out more details

Originally posted by lucasdigital
The police!

While they probably wont post you a case file, it is possible that the case was notorious enough (if it is true) that someone is still remembers the gory details. If they don't help, you can bally well ask them why they have a link on their site to the Campaign for Freedom of Information.... :-)

Jeez.. please don't waste their time :roll:

Anyway, if it is the same person, yes there was a solicitor and he shot / stabbed the family and ended up the tower of Ruen Cathedral threatening to jump. Like most wife/child killers, he didn't have the guts so he was locked up.

Sugworth Hall? Ughill Hall? One or the the other.

The murders occured in the mid 80's at Ughill Hall and were committed by a Sheffield Solicitor called Wood. He murdered his French wife and daughter and then fled to France. He then climbed up a cathedral and threatened to jump. The crowd that gathered, shouted encouragement once they recognised him :-)

Sadly he failed to jump and was extradited back to Great Britain. He was tried for the murders and was found guilty. He received a mandatory life sentence for what were horrific murders.

If you mail me off forum, I may be able to give a bit more assistance

Thanks very much for the info. I would very much like to hear more about ughill hall e.g. post murder history of property.

noswal_ttocs@yahoo.co.uk

He also killed the nanny to.
It was at Ughill and the house has been converted to luxury flats.
There was a murder on the strines in the 1940s and the murderer broke into the Strines hotel and shot dead the owner.
He was eventually captured.

Originally posted by Tony
Jeez.. please don't waste their time :roll:

Anyway, if it is the same person, yes there was a solicitor and he shot / stabbed the family and ended up the tower of Ruen Cathedral threatening to jump. Like most wife/child killers, he didn't have the guts so he was locked up.

Sugworth Hall? Ughill Hall? One or the the other.

:shocked:
I didn't mean call 999!!! There are half a dozen puplic relations/press officers. Though most of the people they talk to are journalists they are happy to respond to serious enquiries, say if you were writing that book on local crime...etc.

I have a vague recollection that a Sheffield solicitor murdered his French wife and their children in a manor house somewhere near Sheffield before fleeing to a cathedral in France. I think it was around the time of the Miners' Strike, but could be completely wrong. Does anyone remember any details, names etc.?

This has been mentioned briefly in a previous thread. See:

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13598

Cheers, Carrie

Not sure of the solicitor,s name, but this was around 1986. The murder was in Ughill (near Bradfield) and the solicitor was eventually arrested at the top of Notradame Cathedral in Paris.

Originally posted by rickb
Not sure of the solicitor,s name, but this was around 1986. The murder was in Ughill (near Bradfield) and the solicitor was eventually arrested at the top of Notradame Cathedral in Paris.

IIRC, the woman who was murdered was the ex-wife of one of my old teachers from Myers Grove.

Welcome to the forum Rickb! :wave:

K x

Not sure of the solicitor,s name, but this was around 1986. The murder was in Ughill (near Bradfield) and the solicitor was eventually arrested at the top of Notradame Cathedral in Paris.
Hi rick b I believe the actual murder was at ahouse on a road which ran round the back of the old Mojo club cant think of the name and Ialso think it was Reims Cathedral I apologise if I am wrong. arthur.

It's not This Case (http://society.guardian.co.uk/crimeandpunishment/story/0,8150,1160605,00.html) is it?? :confused:

The solicitor was called Woods, his office was at meadowhead, the crime started when he stole a large amount of clients money. I beleave he got into finacial trouble and lived above his means, he also left a child for dead who im sure survived being shot. There was a book out a few years ago (i think it was called yorkshire murders) and this story was included.

I think he was called Ian Wood

is he still in prison ?

he is still in prison but must be due for parole soon.
I thought it was a french nanny he shot not his wife.
I remember him on top of the cathedral in Paris like yesterday.

the person whose wife was shot was the head of my 1st year at myers at one point his son was blinded but got his eye sight back after this happened it was quite clear that it had affected him big time if you were female he would let you get away with murder(pardon the pun) but with the lads he was a funny bugger never liked the guy personaly but sad about what happened.

IIRC, the woman who was murdered was the ex-wife of one of my old teachers from Myers Grove.


And mine, K.... While I was there.....!

A friend of mine used to be Ian Wood's secretary.

She was amazed when this came out. She always said he was mild mannered and a thoroughly nice guy and could not believe he would do this.

His Name was Ian Wood of Denton And Wood Solicitors. I visted him once to have conveyancing done on my house. I ussed to see Alison Denton but she was on hoilday at the time so he stepped in. Seemed a nice bloke at the time. You never know who youre takling to do you!!

The murders occured in the mid 80's at Ughill Hall and were committed by a Sheffield Solicitor called Wood. He murdered his French wife and daughter and then fled to France. He then climbed up a cathedral and threatened to jump. The crowd that gathered, shouted encouragement once they recognised him :-)

Sadly he failed to jump and was extradited back to Great Britain. He was tried for the murders and was found guilty. He received a mandatory life sentence for what were horrific murders.

If you mail me off forum, I may be able to give a bit more assistance
ceegee has it right, also Tony. Please don't make stuff up or spread rumour. This is not the house on Mortimer Road, it was Ughill Hall. I understand the boy who was shot while asleep in bed regained his sight and I think he is doing OK? Everyone else was killed.

The rumour would have had plenty of time to spread in the 10 months since the previous posting Grahame.

If I sound a bit uptight about it, that is because my mother was talking to the solicitors partner only a couple of days before, and one of my colleagues from work was at the house on the Saturday as it happened on the Sunday.


Is it Thornseat Lodge on Mortimer Road you are interested in? See below.

http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/kirk6479/mycustompage0007.htm

I am currently researching the old derelict house on strines road/mortimer road in derbyshire/sheffield. I have heard rumors that a man killed his family there but am not sure as to wether or not these rumors are true. I would appreciate any information that anyone can give me as to the history of the house as it could prove valuble to my ongoing research of properties in that area.

Yours

Noswal
Hi, the house you mention seems to be thorseat lodge, there is a locked gate with a big boulder there, also there is a pretty modern house stands to its right. I do know that thornseat lodge was used by social services and the probation service as a childrens home prior to it becoming derilict. Its not however connected to any murder.

My goodness.that sounds like a nice place

thornseat lodge has at some time had scaffolding put up, i presume to do roof repairs etc. What i cannot understand is why such a historic/usefull building has been left empty to rot. Perhaps funding has run out, but it really needs redevelopment before it starts to collapse.

I believe Thornsett Lodge was bought by Doug Hague (of Hague Plant). He tends to buy up property around the Bradfield area and then do bugger all with it.

A) Douglas Hague is not a member of Hague Plant
B) The property is neither owned by Douglas nor Hague Plant.
I believe that you are committing libel!

Who does Thornsett Lodge belong to?

Thornsett Lodge was originally built as a shooting lodge for William Jessop of steel making fame. It became a children's home in the 30's and remained as one up until the early 80's.

It IS currently owned by Doug Hague, and only the front of the building now remains.

unfortunately royalregular, your sources are highly inaccurate as I am positive that Mr Douglas Hague is not the owner, reason being that I am the owner and have been for some time.
It appears that you have great admiration for Mr Hague, as his affairs seem to consume a considerable amount of your time.
Perhaps I should also enquire about your sources of information regarding the current state of the property, considering that only the front view can be seen from the road, how is it that you know the state of the rear of the property?

Hi ANONYMOUS, is there any way i can contact you?. If so will you pm me, thanks.

Hi, What Would You Like To Contact Me Regarding?

My info is from Bradfield Parish council.

"It appears that you have great admiration for Mr Hague, as his affairs seem to consume a considerable amount of your time."..............................erm, no.

My info is from Bradfield Parish council.
And they know.

hello anonymous, i have just joined this forum in order to contact you is their any way you can contact me

hello ridney you can private msg me with your questions.

Hello Anonymous,
It seems that because I've only got one post, I can't send you a private message. Would it be possible for you to send me a private message containing your email address so that I can contact you privately.

It is a shame that such a fine property is going to rack and ruin.

daniell lloyd and her baby daughter were shot and killed in the bathroom at ughill hall, colin lloyds son was also shot and left for dead, he survived and is now living with his father, ian wood then fled to france and climbed notra damn, he was arrested and sent to prison, ughill hall was on the market about two years ago, not sure of the present owners,

unfortunately royalregular, your sources are highly inaccurate as I am positive that Mr Douglas Hague is not the owner, reason being that I am the owner and have been for some time.
It appears that you have great admiration for Mr Hague, as his affairs seem to consume a considerable amount of your time.
Perhaps I should also enquire about your sources of information regarding the current state of the property, considering that only the front view can be seen from the road, how is it that you know the state of the rear of the property?

Do you own Wilkin Hill Cottage as well?

A) Douglas Hague is not a member of Hague Plant
B) The property is neither owned by Douglas nor Hague Plant.
I believe that you are committing libel!

According to my research the current owner is HAGUE PLANT EXCAVATIONS LIMITED <snip>

Although note that a quick check with Companies House shows Hague Plant Excavations Limited as being registered at another address <snippy>

Their address was changed <snippy>.

It IS currently owned by Doug Hague

I have found no evidence that Douglas Hague is or was part of Hague Plant Excavations Ltd. There does appear to be a Dianne and a David Hague who are linked via "Hague Plant Limited" <snip> of which Martin Hartley Hague is also a director, but no mention as far as I can find, of a Douglas Hague. Perhaps the initials of one or both of these two individuals explains the misunderstanding that a "D" (Douglas) Hague is connected to the property?

...only the front of the building now remains.

I think you may be mistaken. I've found some very detailed photos of this property online (Dated February 2007) and it's clear to see on the photos (granted, as long as the date given is accurate) that much more of the building remains than just the front of it.


Some of you may also be interested to know that, the Title Register for this property/land includes a covenant that appears to prevent the alteration of the present nature of the property for a period of twenty one years.

It is however unclear whether the period of 21 years was effective from 28 November 1934 in an agreement between "Grange and Dale Limited" and the City of Sheffield, or from 6 December 1994 through a transfer of the land from "the City of Sheffield" to "Hague Plant Excavations Limited".

If it's from the latter date, 21 years would take us to December 2015 - this could explain the appearance that nothing is being done with the property, although if this is the case it's somewhat "criminal" (by that I don't mean illegal but highly disappointing) that the property should be allowed to deteriorate to the degree it has so far and at a rate that will possibly continue. Surely there must be some kind of requirement to maintain the building... although from my passing glances at the building when driving by (I've been driving past this building for the past 5 years, at one point 3 times per week for almost 18 months) and from the photos I've seen it looks like a fairly sizeable chunk of money would be required which brings it back in to perspective.

However, from the Company Accounts filed with Companies House by both Hague Plant Excavations Ltd and Hague Plant Ltd, it would appear that they're certainly not short of funds and presumably could afford to rescue/renovate the lodge if they chose to do so.

I have to wonder, why anyone owning such a beautiful property would be prepared to stand by whilst it falls apart, although possibly in the current owners defence, Thornseat Lodge was considered, in 1994, as the possible location for an eight-place secure unit.

At that time the Sheffield City Council advised that the building was unsuitable for conversion (although presumably not for it being derelict), but in any case the Peak National Park planners had advised the council that they would not give permission for any new buildings on the site which is in the Green Belt. Perhaps, just perhaps, red tape being what it is in this country, they have not actually been allowed (or it's been too much of a hassle to pursue) to do anything to the building, restorative or otherwise?

Although you'd surely look to sell up if this was the case (E.g. Sheffield City Council presumably sold it (also in December 2004) as it was of no use to them in their plans for the secure unit). So why would you tie up your money in a property you either can't or possibly willingly haven't done anything with since 1994?

My only conclusion is that there's light at the end of the tunnel (for someone) and I would suggest that the 21 year covenant mentioned in the Title Register must have something to do with it. I wouldn't be surprised to see bulldozers moving in to clear up it's remains some time after December 2015.

I truly hope somebody steps forward (current owners or otherwise) and rescues this building from what would appear to be it's certain doom.

Hell, if I had the money I'd buy it tomorrow!

At the moment Thornseat lodge is in a bad state of repair, it will not last untill 2015 . I have been told that it will be demolished, but i do not know when. Pictures of the lodge appear on various internet sites and people consider the place to be of historical intrest (myself included) I actually stayed there for some time and it was a place of great warmth, not like the cold shell it has been allowed to become. I would have thought the lodge was a solid maintainable building in 1994. What a shame.........

Me being of that age, I can remember a murder taking place at The Strines around 1967. The name of the culprit being Lee. I seem to remember it was at the inn, but it is so long ago.

I am currently researching the old derelict house on strines road/mortimer road in derbyshire/sheffield. I have heard rumors that a man killed his family there but am not sure as to wether or not these rumors are true. I would appreciate any information that anyone can give me as to the history of the house as it could prove valuble to my ongoing research of properties in that area.

Yours

Noswal
My ex-girlfriend(of 16 yrs.) was a friend to the family you are interested in. The man was a Solicitor who shot his wife dead, & his young child in the head (the child survived), He went to France, climbed up a Cathederal, threatened to jump off !! But was too cowardly to take his own life. He is now (or was then ) in prison.

Me being of that age, I can remember a murder taking place at The Strines around 1967. The name of the culprit being Lee. I seem to remember it was at the inn, but it is so long ago.

I think the person you refer to is called Dave Lee. Lee commited an armed robbery on the Strines Inn. I was told he was in fancy dress at the time, i think he may have fired shots but no murder. There was however a murder at Ughill hall in the Bradfield area by a solicitor called woods, it was mentioned in a previous thread if you do a search. There was also another murder at a house that belonged to the reservoir in Bradfield and i think this happened early to mid 1980s. My memory of this murder is vague but i seem to recall a woman who killed her husband. I also seem to recall the woman once worked at Thornseat lodge part time. Please note there has never been a murder at Thornseat lodge.

Thanks Only Me for that. Yes, you are right, the name was David Lee. I remember it very well as I have a cousin of the same name. Thanks for pointing out it was armed robbery and not murder. I really only remember it because we used to go to The Marquis of Granby disco each Saturday night, and had to pass that way to get there. Thanks again.

I went to this guys (first)wedding many years ago. The bride was a friend. She was not the victim. Living abroard I missed the newspaper headlines and the details were so horrific that another friend just couldn't tell me about it properly for years. If anyone has old newspaper infos or details about the book "Yorkshire Murders" please let me know. I hope Ian doesn't get out to do any more damage. He's ruined more lives than the victims that died.

It was Amiens cathedral, I think.

I went to this guys (first)wedding many years ago. The bride was a friend. She was not the victim. Living abroard I missed the newspaper headlines and the details were so horrific that another friend just couldn't tell me about it properly for years. If anyone has old newspaper infos or details about the book "Yorkshire Murders" please let me know. I hope Ian doesn't get out to do any more damage. He's ruined more lives than the victims that died.

The story of ian woods is included in the book "Yorkshire murder casebook" the book is by Steve fielding. There are usually a few copies on ebay.

I used to go to school with the little boy who survived - Im 27 now.

The family who lived down the road (in Sandygate knew them well, as she was French too)

His mother was French and she divorced her husband and moved in with a very successful solicitor. She also had a 15 month old daughter.

She is said to tried to leave the solicitor, and he retaliated by shooting her and her two children through cushions. The mother and baby girl died, but the little boy survived - apparently they were picking feathers out of his wound for days.

The solicitor then ran off to France, climbed Notre Dame and threaten to jump off - he went to France to say sorry for what he did.

But he was talked down.

I believe he is still in prison.

unfortunately royalregular, your sources are highly inaccurate as I am positive that Mr Douglas Hague is not the owner, reason being that I am the owner and have been for some time.
It appears that you have great admiration for Mr Hague, as his affairs seem to consume a considerable amount of your time.
Perhaps I should also enquire about your sources of information regarding the current state of the property, considering that only the front view can be seen from the road, how is it that you know the state of the rear of the property?

Well shame on you for letting such a lovley historic building fall into rack and ruin. I recently looked at some photos on the internet taken by some urban explorers, and the state you have let this building fall into is shamefull :rant: such a waste:(

The man was called Ian wood- He murdered his Girlfriend Danielle (french)she had been married to a guy named Colin from Crookes or walkley- He shot Danielle ,her daughter and son- The boy survived- He left his car in the NCP car park on campo lane and fled to france- He climed Amien Cathedral (not Notre Damme) and was persuaded down by a priest- whilst on the run he kept in contact with the Editor of the Sheffield Gazzette named Brenda Tunney- It was all very horrific- He used to use a pub i owned in Sheffield prior to this and the press camped out there whilst all this was going on. Only weeks before i was with my sons at a fun fair and saw Ian Wood there with danielle and the children whilst all looking very happy and having fun-

As I remember the owner of the "Nuthouse", a health food shop in Berkeley Precinct on Ecclesall Road, was having an affair with the murderers wife. I think this affair was the pretext for the murders and shop owner was called to give evidence in court.

Anyone else remember the Nuthouse? It was sold to a Thai family shortly after and became more of an oriental food shop before becoming part of Blockbusters. It was the corner unit, last one before Tesco.

There's a video of Thornseat Lodge showing its sad state here -

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=k1L_LimVo34

There's a video of Thornseat Lodge showing its sad state here -

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=k1L_LimVo34

What a sad sight (and site).