Cementation furnace, Sheffield facts for kids

The Cementation furnace in Sheffield, England, is a very special old building. It's the only furnace of its kind left in Great Britain that is still complete. This furnace was used to make steel a long time ago. You can find it on Doncaster Street, not far from the city center. It's even a Listed Building, which means it's protected because of its history.

History of the Steel Furnace

Building a Steel Giant

This furnace was built in 1848. A local company called Daniel Doncasters and Sons built it. They had been making steel in Sheffield since 1778. The furnace was designed to make steel using a special method called the cementation process.

What was the Cementation Process?

The cementation process was a way to turn iron into steel. Workers would heat iron bars in the furnace with charcoal. This process would add carbon to the iron. After a long time, the iron would become a stronger material called "blister steel." This steel was very important for making tools and other items.

Sheffield's Steel City Past

By 1860, Sheffield was a huge steel-making city. There were about 250 cementation furnaces there! These furnaces could make 80,000 tons of steel every year. Their tall, cone-shaped tops were a common sight in the city. The Doncaster Street furnace is the only one that is still fully intact today.

Working Through World War II

This furnace kept working for many years. It even operated during World War II. To keep it safe during air raids, a special cover was put on its outlet. This cover helped hide the light from the furnace. You can still see this white cover today. The furnace finally stopped making steel in 1951.

The Furnace Today

Restoration and Preservation

After sitting empty for 40 years, the furnace got a new life. It was restored in 1992 and 1993. A bank called HSBC helped pay for the repairs. This restoration made sure the furnace would be preserved for future generations.

How to See the Furnace

Today, the furnace is surrounded by a low fence. There's a locked gate to keep it safe. If you want to see inside, you can get the key from the curator. The curator is at the nearby Kelham Island Museum. This allows people to learn about Sheffield's amazing steel-making history.

Images for kids

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  The Cementation furnace in Sheffield, England.