Dear Tim,

Thank you for sharing your opinions regarding Sheffield City Centre and your pride in the heritage of our city which we share with you. We are most certainly focussed on the importance of the early history of the city in this location. The layers of former uses across the centuries of the Castle Site and not just its use as a Castle i.e The Bowling Green and recently revealed Cementation Furnace all form a central part of the narrative of the future regeneration of the Castlegate Area, which we know you are keen for us to share with not only Sheffield residents but also to encourage visitors to our city which is part of our city vision too.

Thank you for sharing your ideas and research regarding the amazing rebuilding project of the Guedelon Castle in France; this would be a major financial undertaking that is beyond the scope and budget of this project. As you are aware we submitted a planning application for the site in February 2023, which was approved on 24th May 2023. Details of the planning permission can be found on the Council’s Planning Portal - https://planningapps.sheffield.gov.uk reference 23/00493/OUT which I would encourage you to look at in more detail to fully understand the details of the project that we are delivering .

A further full application will be forthcoming in 2025 along with an application for Listed Building Consent these applications will contain more detailed designs have been developed in response to the extensive Archaeological Works conducted over 2024 and will encourage online comments during the Public Consultation period.

The aims of the scheme are to investigate, document and preserve the archaeology of the site, de-culvert the River Sheaf, create an urban park, and develop the area surrounding the site to support regeneration of the local area. In creating the park, we are responding to the findings of the archaeological investigation in real time and updating the design in response. As with all parks, it is intended that it will be used for appropriate and approved events.

The castle site archaeological investigations are being undertaken in accordance with an approved Written Scheme of Investigation and Conservation Mitigation Strategy, which form part of the planning permission noted above and follow Historic England Guidelines for Listed Structures. These investigations have revealed previously unseen castle remains and as much as practicably possible will be incorporated into the park design.

The value and interest associated with the castle and the history of Sheffield in this location is of critical importance to the park and is a key consideration in its design. I am aware however that because there are extensive excavations that cover a large area of the park, some will be reburied to create the park. However, it is important to note that this is not unusual practice and is often vital for preservation. Ultimately what is displayed or not will be dependent on archaeological value, and the most appropriate means of protecting the remains. I want to reassure you that Sheffield City Council is committed to preserving the history of the Castlegate site and is working closely with a group of professional archaeologists.

In summary, there have been previous archaeology on the site in the 1920s and more recently in 2018 but as part of our work to create a new public park, we have conducted the biggest excavation of Sheffield Castle to ever undertaken. This took place over a 12-week programme by Wessex Archaeology March and May 2024 which revealed:  

For the first time in 70 years, the remains of Castle’s imposing medieval gatehouse, have been uncovered. 
A “burnt deposit” dating from the Norman/ late Saxon era was discovered.
A post hole that radiocarbon dating indicates could be from the original wooden castle (motte & bailey) 
Some unique timber stakes were found, linked to use in the Civil War
A double flue cementation furnace 
 

The original timescales for the excavation were planned to last originally 12 weeks based on expert assessments, as excavations continued, we have agreed to extend this work as appropriate following the discovery of what was believed to be the foundation of Sheffield Castle walls. This work commenced in Summer 2024 and have been completed December 2024.

  More information can also be found on both Wessex Archaeology’s website and the Friends of Sheffield Castle’s website.

Sheffield Castle | Our Work | Wessex Archaeology 

Friends Of Sheffield Castle – the People's Castle!

 
Once again thank you for your email, and I hope the above answers your questions.

Yours Sincerely,

Ben

Cllr Ben Miskell (he/him)

Chair of Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee
Deputy Leader of Sheffield Labour Group

Sheffield City Council

Vice Chair Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission

*Town Hall, Pinstone Street, Sheffield, S1 2HH
( 0114 483 0013

8  cllrbenmiskell.uk