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Cholera Monument Grounds and Clay Wood, Sheffield

A serene historical monument and ancient woodland offering reflection, panoramic city views, and peaceful nature trails in Sheffield.

4.6

The Cholera Monument Grounds and Clay Wood in Sheffield offer a poignant historical memorial set within tranquil landscaped gardens and ancient woodland. The neo-Gothic Cholera Monument commemorates the 1832 epidemic victims, surrounded by serene paths and vibrant greenery, with panoramic views over Sheffield. Clay Wood’s natural trails provide a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, blending history, reflection, and scenic beauty in a unique urban oasis.

A brief summary to Cholera Monument Grounds and Clay Wood

  • Claywood Dr, Sheffield, S2 2UB, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy peaceful surroundings and capture stunning city views during sunrise or sunset.
  • Explore the shaded path through Clay Wood to experience the ancient woodland’s wildlife and seasonal colors.
  • Take time at the clay cobbled mound art installation to reflect on the lives lost during the 1832 cholera epidemic.
  • Bring a camera for panoramic shots of Sheffield’s skyline from the monument’s elevated position.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Sheffield city centre, take bus number 75 or 76 towards Parkgate. After approximately 15 minutes, alight at the 'Claywood Drive' stop. From there, it is a 5-minute walk along Claywood Drive to the Cholera Monument Grounds. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £4.

  • Bus

    Alternatively, catch bus number 43 from the city centre towards Gleadless Townend. After about 20 minutes, get off at 'Gleadless Road/Drakehouse Lane'. Walk down Drakehouse Lane to reach the entrance to Clay Wood leading to the monument grounds. Tickets cost around £2 to £4.

  • Walking

    From nearby Heeley City Farm, walk along Heeley Road and then Claywood Drive for approximately 15 minutes. The terrain is mostly flat with some shaded woodland paths, suitable for most fitness levels.

Cholera Monument Grounds and Clay Wood location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather

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Discover more about Cholera Monument Grounds and Clay Wood

A Memorial to Sheffield’s 1832 Cholera Epidemic

The Cholera Monument stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the devastating 1832 cholera epidemic that claimed 402 lives in Sheffield, with 339 buried in the grounds between Park Hill and Norfolk Park. Designed by M. E. Hadfield and sculpted by Earp and Hobbs, this neo-Gothic pinnacle was completed in 1835. Its foundation stone was laid by the poet James Montgomery, who also commemorated the tragedy in verse. The monument’s plaque names John Blake, a Master Cutler who perished in the epidemic, symbolizing the personal losses behind the statistics.

Historic Gardens and Conservation Area

Surrounding the monument are gardens established in the 1850s, gifted to Sheffield by the Duke of Norfolk in 1930. These grounds form a conservation area recognized with a Green Flag Award for their quality and upkeep. A shaded path through Clay Wood, created between 1971 and 1995, connects Fitzwalter Road to the monument gardens, inviting visitors to stroll through this peaceful green space. The monument itself was restored after lightning damage in 1990, with the top removed for safety and rebuilt by 2006, earning a Marsh Award for public sculpture excellence.

Clay Wood: An Ancient Woodland Escape

Adjacent to the monument gardens, Clay Wood is an ancient woodland offering winding trails and diverse wildlife habitats. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature, enjoying birdwatching and seasonal changes that paint the landscape with vibrant colors. The woodland’s serene environment provides a quiet retreat from the city bustle, making it an ideal spot for reflection and relaxation.

Artistic and Symbolic Features

In 2004, a clay cobbled mound art installation was added near the monument, symbolizing those who lost their lives in the epidemic. This evocative piece deepens the site’s contemplative atmosphere. The grounds also feature panoramic views over Sheffield’s city center, enhancing the visitor experience with striking vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Connecting Sheffield’s Heritage and Nature

The Cholera Monument Grounds and Clay Wood are part of a 'green link' opened in 2014, providing pedestrian and cycle paths between Norfolk Heritage Park and the city center. This connection enhances access and integrates the site into Sheffield’s broader network of green spaces. The area’s historical significance, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a meaningful destination for those interested in public health history, urban nature, and memorial culture.

Reflection and Remembrance in a City Setting

Visitors to the Cholera Monument Grounds and Clay Wood find a space that balances historical gravity with natural tranquility. The monument invites contemplation of past public health challenges and community resilience, while the surrounding gardens and woodland offer a restorative environment. This unique blend of heritage and nature creates a poignant urban sanctuary in Sheffield.

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