Manor Lodge, Sheffield

Sheffield Manor Lodge, also known locally as Manor Castle, is a historic lodge built around 1516 within a large deer park southeast of Sheffield. Originally constructed as a country retreat to accommodate George Talbot, the 4th Earl of Shrewsbury, and his family, the estate served as an extension of the Earl's living quarters. Today, the remnants of this once expansive estate are located in what is now known as Norfolk Park, and the surrounding housing area takes its name from the lodge itself.

The remains of Sheffield Manor Lodge include parts of the kitchens, the long gallery, and the Grade II* listed Turret House, also referred to as "Queen Mary's Tower." This notable structure contains exquisite sixteenth-century ceilings and is a prominent site feature. The Turret House, which may have been built by 1574, consists of three stories with two rooms on each floor. A stairwell at one corner extends above the building to the roof, functioning as a viewing platform similar to the "Hunting Tower" at Chatsworth House.

Historically, Sheffield Manor Lodge holds significance as one of the locations where Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned by George Talbot, the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury. Her ghost is rumored to haunt the Turret House. The long gallery, dating from around 1525, was noted by 17th-century historian William Dugdale for its heraldic decorations, which included the arms of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, alongside those of George Talbot and his second wife, Elizabeth Walden.

Today, Sheffield Manor Lodge is a visitor attraction that includes the Turret House, Tudor grounds, a Discovery Centre, and the Rhubarb Shed Café. The Turret House is accessible to the public on Sundays from April to September, during Sheffield school holidays, and on special event days. The lodge offers a glimpse into the rich Tudor history and the architectural legacy of one of England's significant historic sites.