History of 149 Holme Lane
The Remarkable History of 149 Holme Lane: From Steelworks to Natural Sciences Museum
At the heart of Hillsborough, Sheffield, lies a building steeped in industry and reinvention: 149 Holme Lane. What began in 1905 as a beacon of industrial ambition under the name Styrian Steel Works, established by local entrepreneur Sam Buckley, has transformed into a centre for scientific education and research as the Natural Sciences Museum.
The Birth of Styrian Steel Works
In the early 20th century, Sam Buckley sought to capitalize on Sheffield’s reputation as the Steel City. Naming his facility "Styrian Steel Works," a nod to the high-quality steel associated with the Styrian region of Austria, Buckley aimed to set his enterprise apart. The works quickly gained prominence, producing bright drawn steel that contributed to the growing reputation of Hillsborough and Malin Bridge as industrial areas.
A Name Tarnished and Rejuvenated by War
Though prosperous during its early years, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 brought scrutiny upon anything perceived as "foreign." By 1919, the local community grew uneasy about the Germanic connotations of "Styrian." To align with post-war patriotic sentiment, the works were rebranded as Admiral Steel Works, a name that reflected strength, loyalty, and resilience.
During World War II, Admiral Steel Works became a crucial cog in Britain’s war effort. The site pivoted to manufacturing steel parts and munitions for military uses, employing hundreds of workers from the Hillsborough area. The hum of machinery and glow of furnaces symbolised Sheffield’s unwavering commitment to victory.
Family Company in Decline
By the 1960s, Admiral Steel Works, once a thriving family business under the Buckley name, faced the mounting pressures of a declining steel industry and increasing competition. Despite their best efforts to modernise and maintain operations, the business struggled to adapt to changing times. With dwindling profits and an uncertain future, the Buckley family reluctantly sold the works to British Steel, leaving behind a proud legacy but also the heavy reality of an industry in retreat. The once-proud family enterprise became a subsidiary, a shadow of its former independence.
The British Steel Era
The late 1960s ushered in a new chapter for the works as a subsidiary site of British Steel. While it no longer held the independence of its early years, the site remained productive, contributing to Sheffield’s status as a global steel hub. However, the industry faced decline in the late 20th century, and by the 1980s, Admiral Steel Works was shuttered. The once-proud building, now silent, fell into disrepair, its crumbling walls and rotten doors standing as a ghostly reminder of its former glory.
A New Purpose: From Disrepair to Revival
For two decades, the building languished, its future uncertain. At the turn of the 21st century, local camping and outdoor equipment company Towsure purchased the site, rechristening the former offices building of the steel works as “House.” The cavernous interior was repurposed as a storage facility, bringing a practical, if modest, new role to the historic structure. Yet, it was clear that such a storied building deserved more. During this time the building was painted blue in honour of Towsure's blue logo.
The Transformation
In late 2021, plans were announced to transform the former steelworks into a public museum. The head offices of the former steelworks were transformed in just six months by a passionate team of volunteers, with contractors stepping in for critical repairs. Once derelict, the space was brought back to life through community effort, with locals restoring its historic features and preparing it for public use. Their dedication turned the ruin into a vibrant museum, preserving the building’s legacy while creating a space for all to enjoy.
Museum Opening
On 13th August 2022, the Yorkshire Natural History Museum officially opened its doors. The grand opening (intended as a soft opening) was attended by prominent figures, including renowned palaeontologist Dean Lomax, museum chairman James Hogg, and local Member of Parliament Gill Furniss. The museum served as a hub for natural history, showcasing fossils, geological specimens, and environmental exhibits that pay homage to Yorkshire's nature and prehistoric past.
Early Growth and Laboratories
To generate revenue the museum offered space on the ground floor to a local commercial palaeontology unit, Neo Jurassica Ltd. While separate from the museum, the organisation developed laboratories for fossil preparation and offered free conservation services to the museum for the scientific collections. One of the labs was a public fossil preparation laboratory which allowed visitors to take part in the process, the first of its kind in Europe.
The Pursuit of Science
Soon after opening, it became clear that the museum's objectives extended far beyond the boundaries of Yorkshire. With a growing emphasis on scientific endeavor and research, the institution quickly evolved into a hub for broader public scientific education. Recognising the need for a name that reflected its expanded mission and significance, plans were set in motion to rebrand from the Yorkshire Natural History Museum to the Natural Sciences Museum, signalling its dedication to advancing knowledge across the full spectrum of the natural sciences.
Dawn of the Natural Sciences Museum
In late 2024, the museum took decisive steps to reinforce its role as a centre for education and research. After operating as an unincorporated charity since its inception, the institution pursued full legal non-profit registration under its new name, the Natural Sciences Museum, establishing a stronger and more sustainable foundation. The museum also faced challenges, including a media backlash over controversial operations by Neo Jurassica, whose actions had been mistakenly associated with the museum. In response, Neo Jurassica was removed from the property, and their laboratories were repurposed for the museum’s direct use. These changes underscored the museum’s commitment to public benefit and its new identity.
A Legacy in Hillsborough
Located in the former industrial hamlet of Malin Bridge, 149 Holme Lane stands as a testament to Sheffield’s resilience and adaptability. From producing steel that built an Empire to preserving fossils that tell the story of Earth’s ancient past, the building remains a cornerstone of Hillsborough’s identity.
Today, the Natural Sciences Museum welcomes thousands of visitors annually, ensuring that the legacy of 149 Holme Lane continues to inspire for generations to come.