Bishops' House

About the museum

Bishops' House was built in 1554, during the reign of Mary Tudor, as a yeoman's farmhouse in the small village of Norton Lees, then surrounded by fields on the edge of Derbyshire and about two miles from the small town of Sheffield. It appears to be the last building in Norton Lees that survives from that time and is now regarded as Sheffield's best preserved timber-framed building. It is listed Grade II*.

In 1884 the estate containing the house was bought by Sheffield Corporation and became Meersbrook Park. The house continued to be lived in until 1974, when it was restored and opened as a museum. Since 2011 the museum has been kept open by volunteers of the charity Friends of Bishops' House, working with Sheffield City Council, which owns and maintains the building, and with Museums Sheffield, which looks after most of the objects on display.

Today some rooms are furnished in Jacobean style, while others hold cabinets of objects and information boards about the building, its occupants and the local area. The house also hosts events, school visits and weddings, and for many visitors the building itself is the main attraction.

Highlights

• Sheffield's best preserved timber-framed building, dating from 1554
• Rooms furnished in Jacobean style, including the bed chamber
• Oak panelled 16th-century hall
• Views over Sheffield from the top of Meersbrook Park
• Free entry, run by volunteers

Operated by

Friends of Bishops' House

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free. School visits are charged by invoice at 3.50 pounds per child for a half day (2 hours) and 5 pounds per child for a full day; accompanying adults are free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The house is not wheelchair friendly. Access is limited to the ground floor, and not all wheelchairs can move freely there, with a step into the front door and another step into the parlour. Visitors can contact the museum for more specific information.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

School groups can use a handling collection and craft activities. A playground is in Meersbrook Park beside the house, and the house holds occasional medieval fayres and events.

Getting there & parking

The house is about two miles south of Sheffield city centre, at the top entrance of Meersbrook Park, at the junction of Lees Hall Avenue and Lees Nook. Sat nav users should aim for Lees Hall Avenue, S8 9NA. It is also on the Sheffield Round Walk.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a small shop. The house has only one toilet.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 30 guests.

Wedding ceremonies take place in the oak panelled hall for up to 30 guests including the couple, and the lawn behind the house can be used for drinks afterwards.

Plan your visit