Route Developer: Dave Buckle

[1] As you leave the centre, turn right to walk up the main Burngreave Road. Take the first turning on your right into Burngreave Street. Take care not to turn immediately right into Catherine Street. (Caution: This is a wide crossing, cross with care).

[2] Continue to the end of the road, past the children’s playground, and head towards the entrance to Burngreave Cemetery.

[3] Take the wide main path in front of you, which leads round the back of the chapel and gatehouse, and follow this path as it climbs through the cemetery.

(A) The cemetery is a large one with well-maintained paths which you might like to explore at another time. In the 19th century, Spring-heeled Jack was allegedly sighted here and cornered by vigilantes, but, possessing paranormal jumping ability, he remained uncaught.
(Caution: Nowadays, poisonous fungi represent a danger more likely to be encountered). Please note the cemetery closes at 5pm. The cemetery contains the graves of many killed in German Zeppelin raids in 1916, or in heavy bombing in 1940.

[4] On reaching the exit at the top of the cemetery, turn left onto Scott Road (a hoard of Roman coins was unearthed here). On reaching St James Church and Community Centre, turn left into Abbeyfield Road.

[5] Continue along until you see the entrance to Abbeyfield Park on your right. Cross the road and enter the park.

Though a small park, it is well maintained and features a small well-cared-for children’s playground. It is also the site of Abbeyfield House, which was originally built in 1850 by local colliery owner, William Pass, and called Pitsmoor Abbey. It was his successor, Bernard Wake, who changed its name. The house and gardens were bought in 1909, after Wake’s death, to create a park for local people. Since the early 1900s, the grounds have been continuously managed as a park, but the house has been used for a variety of purposes, including schooling and a hospital during the First World War. Today, it is the office space for several community organizations. In July, the park becomes the centre for the biggest community event in Burngreave’s calendar, the annual Abbeyfield Multicultural Festival.

[6] Cross the park and take the exit on the other side onto Burngreave Road. Turn left and head back towards the centre.