Former Eon Works, Sheffield

This article details a programme of archaeological excavation which was undertaken at the site of the former Eon Works, a heat treatment steel works, located between Earl Street, Eyre Lane, and Hallam Lane, Sheffield. Excavations revealed the remains of a number of cellars within buildings built on the site dating from around 1822.

You can contact the Hunter Archaeological Society for access, or get in touch with CFA Archaeology directly to receive a copy.

Of special note, the excavation uncovered the remains of a brick bakers’ oven at No. 2 Hallam Lane. It was built into the rear of a cellar at No. 2 Hallam Lane, within a courtyard that was surrounded by the Royal Hotel, the three storey properties on Earl Street, and shop buildings on the corner of Hallam Lane and Earl Street. The large size of the oven suggests that it may have originally been a commercial baker’s premises that fronted on to Hallam Lane, with the property at No. 59 Earl Street acting as the shop front.

Work at this site revealed insights into the working class history of the area. CFA’s researchers were able to discover some of the names and occupations of the area’s occupants, including a master shoemaker, a comb maker, labourers and joiners, and even a chandelier bronzer!

Many post-medieval finds were recovered, including an assemblage of clay pipes. One of these featured a masonic square and compass symbol.