The Sheffield Cholera Monument stands at 21 metres high and rises like Sheffield's very own version of Cleopatras Needle, on a hillside overlooking the main Bus Station and Railway Station.
I remember visiting this place when I was at School and I see it everyday on my journey to and from work, yet I rarely give it a second thought. That is until the other night when, on my way home from work, whilst waiting to cross the road, a group of foreign Students stopped me and said: "Excuse me, do you know what that big monument is, over there?"
I looked up at the Cholera monument, which dominates the skyline and realised just how much I sometimes take my home City for granted.
THE HISTORY OF THE MONUMENT
The monument was erected in 1834 in memory of the victims of a Cholera outbreak, which had broken out in the City in 1832. Over 400 people died during that epidemic and the monument was constructed to ensure that these people were never forgotten.
The Pleasure Gardens were first laid out in 1850 and not only surround the monument, but they also compliment it perfectly.
Surrounding both the monument and the Pleasure Gardens are Clay Woods, this is an area of mature broad-leaved woodland. The whole site, which comprises the Cholera monument, the Pleasure Gardens, and Clay Woods, occupies a site that covers over 7 acres. This area was added to the English Heritage's Register of Historic Parks and Gardens in 2003. The monument itself is a Grade 11 listed structure. Whilst Clay Woods are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The Duke of Norfolk, one of the most prominent Landowners, gave part of this area to the City of Sheffield in 1930. Whilst Clay Woods was donated to the City in various small sections between 1971 and 2005.
THE RESTORATION PROJECT
Thanks to a donation from the Heritage Lottery Fund restoration work on both the monument and the grounds began in 1991.
During the 1980's much of this area had become overgrown and derelict due to a lack of maintenance, so a group of dedicated volunteers got together and formed a partnership with several local businesses. The aim of this group of people was to restore the area to its former glory. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust was a prominent party within this group.
In 1990 part of the monument had been badly damaged during a Storm so the replacement of the top of monument was one of the items on the agenda. Other work included the erecting of lighting around the monument, and the clearing of overgrown flowerbeds and pathways.
Further Trees were planted and Spring Bulbs were also planted.
VISITING THE AREA
The monument and Clay Woods are within a 5-minute walk of the City Centre of Sheffield and they are clearly visible from both the Railway Station and the Bus Station.
The 95 Bus from the main Bus Station will drop you right outside and there is a Tram Stop nearby. If you are visiting by Car, the nearest Car Parking is by the entrance to Norfolk Park on Granville Road.
SUMMARY
This place is completely free to visit and it is well worth checking out. It has a superb elevated position overlooking the City and despite the Railway Station only being a stone's throw away there is an incredible sense of peace and tranquillity.
I would definately recommend a visit to this place if you find yourself in the Centre of Sheffield with a few minutes to spare, maybe whilst waiting for a Train.
Not something I remember seeing! It so big how can I have missed it! I must see if my husband can tell me all about it as he was from Sheffield. Jo x
perfectlypolished 16.09.2006 17:46
This is definitely something to remember if I'm up that way. Fascinating review. Lin
little_red_hen 16.09.2006 10:37
A good read, I am trying to write about a monument myself at the moment, its strange how we take for granted what is right under our nose isn't it! Karen
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