The Old 
Tower House

by Kim Streets

This odd little house, built by the Mounteneys of Shirecliffe in 1629, stood roughly between Gray Street and Fox Street. When new it was surrounded by green fields with a clear view of Sheffield Castle and the market town in the valley below.

In 1813, David Parkes lived in the house. As a boy he often saw gangs of chained prisoners walking up Pye Bank on their way to Wakefield. He said, ‘the keeper of the old Toll Bar was famous for miles around for his salve and here, occasionally, the prisoners were halted and some of them would purchase the salve for their sore feet’. 

The house fell into disrepair by 1930 and was demolished a few years later. If you remember the house or have any Pitsmoor stories to tell phone the Messenger on 2420564.

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