Bishops House- Meersbrook Park

6 days ago
2 min read

Meersbrook Park is a special place indeed. The Meers Brook running along with the River Sheaf here was once the boundary line between Yorkshire and Derbyshire. The park itself was once made up of small farmsteads and was opened to the public in 1886.

Bishops house itself dates back to the 16th century and is one of the oldest buildings in Sheffield.

Its first known resident was Willam Blythe who was a farmer and scythe manufacturer in 1627. It is said to have been originally built for the Blythe brothers John and Geoffrey who both became Bishops - although there is no evidence of this. This does appear to be where the name has derived. The last known Blyth to live in the house was Samuel Blyth who passed away in 1753. It was then sold on to William Shore and was let to a tenant farmer and his labourer at which point it was divided into two dwellings. You can still see this layout today.

Sheffield City council took ownership of the house and lands in 1886 when properties had to be sold off by the Shore family due to huge debts which seem to have been the devastating result of Offley Shores bad habits meaning he pretty much lost his entre families fortune.

Employees of the council resided in the property until 1974. The volunteer run museum has been open since 1976 and contains exhibitions of life in the 16th and 17th centuries with two rooms decorated in a Jacobean style. You can also find plenty of exciting marks from the past on the timbers and doors. The extenal walls and garden also offer glimpes into the past. It is definately worth popping in if you have not already visited.

They also have a giftshop where you will find my artwork and small gifts for sale alongside other beautiful creations.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working on Bishops House and learning about its history. Not all of which I have listed here in this little blog.

There would simply be too much to write.