Queen's Tower, Sheffield

Queen's Tower is a historic house located on Park Grange Road in the Norfolk Park area of Sheffield. Designed in the Tudor style by architects Woodhead & Hurst, the building was originally constructed between 1834 and 1837 for Samuel Roberts, a prominent local cutler, as a tribute to Mary, Queen of Scots. The structure features distinctive battlements and several turrets, reflecting its Tudor influence.

The grounds of Queen's Tower were designed by the renowned landscape architect Robert Marnock, incorporating elements from the historic Manor Lodge, where Mary, Queen of Scots was once imprisoned. These grounds were notable for their battlemented terraces, lawns, a small lake, sinuous pathways, a walled garden with castellated stone walls, and a turret adorned with an ornate weathervane. Despite its impressive design, the estate fell into disrepair after being used by the Army during World War II and underwent several alterations, including the conversion of the walled garden into a squash court.

Upon completion, Samuel Roberts gifted the Tower to his son as a wedding present, and it was later expanded in the 1860s. The Roberts family, including Samuel Roberts, the Member of Parliament for Sheffield Ecclesall, and his descendants, resided in the Tower for several generations.

In 2004, Queen's Tower was converted into flats, but much of its historical character and original design remain evident, despite various modernizations. Although the building and grounds are in a poor state of repair today, they are recognized for their significance as part of a Listed building and for Marnock's impressive garden design. The Tower continues to stand as a testament to Sheffield's rich historical and architectural heritage.