High Hazels Park

High Hazels Park is a large parkland area in Darnall, Sheffield. High Hazels Park was built in 1850 by William Jeffcock (the first Lord Mayor of Sheffield). In 1894, Sheffield City Council (the Corporation of Sheffield) bought the land and house from the Duke of Norfolk and Messers Jeffcock for £10,875. In 1895 the land was first used as a public recreation ground and was classed as one of the finest parks within the city of Sheffield. The park once boasted a fine boating lake which has since been covered up.

High Hazels House

High Hazels House, commissioned by William Jeffcock, and was "built regardless of cost". There were numerous bedrooms, stabling for twelve horses, and a number of outbuildings. The arches that lead to the main entrance were built of the same stone as the Houses of Parliament. It now home to Tinsley Golf Club. The first hole is close to the house.

Following the death of Jeffcock junior the house was used as a boys boarding school to avoid the house falling into ruin.

In 1901 High Hazels House became a museum which housed a highly valued, interesting collection with many rare pieces relating to Sheffield history. The museum was an extremely popular attribute to the park, attracting over 60,000 visitors a year in its heyday.

During World War II the house was used as a base for the Home Guard with many local residents being recruited. Unfortunately the museum closed shortly after the war, and High Hazels House reopened as the clubhouse for Tinsley Park golf course.

The Formal Garden

The Formal garden was officially opened on the 16th of March 2005 by Councillor Gill Furniss and John Jeffcock, the 4th great grandson of William Jeffcock who built High Hazels House. The design for the Formal Garden was developed by the University of Sheffield following community consultation. Work on the garden included opening up the woodland area, new planting and restoration of seating. Local artist Hilary Cartmel designed the entrance to the garden which includes "welcome" in various languages.

The Sensory Garden

A sensory garden, designed to stimulate the five senses has been planted near the house.

The garden was once a rose garden, but was transformed to a sensory garden before opening on 6 June 2004.

External links

* [http://www.lhi.org.uk/projects_directory/projects_by_region/yorkshire_the_humber/sheffield/high_hazels_park_formal_garden_restoration/a_short_history.html History of High Hazels House]
* [http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/parks-woodlands--countryside/development--regeneration-projects/park-regeneration-projects/darnall-green-spaces-regeneration-project/high-hazels-park Sheffield's Park, Woodlands & Countryside]