Hi

I'm wanting to find out more about the building which is now the Megacentre in Sheffield on Bernard Road, just up from the big insinerator.

As far as I understand, it used to be occupied by Spear & Jackson but that's as much as I know.

I wonder if anyone out there in internet land can shed any light on this for me.

Thanks

Is there anything there which can give any info? Any old photos on the walls, that sort of thing?

if you look at it its shaped like a ship

No. When we got the building it was a shell and was virtually ready for knocking down. I know that it used to be used by Spear & Jackson but for how long I don't know. My hope is that there is someone out there who might have a reative who might have some knowledge of it.

I'd like tobe able to source images of the old factory and display them around the centre to show its industrial heritage.

Thanks


...

It was owned by a firm who made equipment for the railway. I will try and find out the book for you as soon as I can.

Thanks for that... looking forward to hearing about it..!:)

I have managed to find the book I wanted. The building was the premises of John Bedford and Sons. Founded by the original John Bedford at the old Forge beside (and powered by) the River Don at Oughtibridge in 1792, but grew into one of Sheffields giants following the establishment in 1864 of a small works in Mowbray Street, by a partnership of the then John Bedford and John Bramall. It was this business that mushroomed into the Lion works, maufacturing cast and blister steel and establishing an enviable reputation at home and abroad for its 'Lion Brand' engineering and precision files, edge and manufacturing tools. Like so many other Sheffield companies their effort during World War 2 was enormous. While their rolling mills continued to produce thousands of tons of stainless and alloyed steel, as well as their traditional tool products their diverse war effort contribution included over 6,000 tons of churchill tank parts and hundreds of thousands of anti tank rounds.
This quote is taken from a railway book, Scenes from the past 43, Sheffield Victoria to Chesterfield Central by Ken Grainger. Hope this helps.

thanks so much that is excellent...! - is there any way i can gethold of a copy of this book?

The book is still available, it is published by Foxline publications Ltd.
ISBN 1-870119-83-5