Who Started the Society?

The founding members of the Society were largely professional men such as solicitors and architects who had been campaigning to save Sheffield’s heritage, and came together to discuss and share their knowledge and concerns. Sites of concern to them in the early years of the 20th century include Carbrook Hall, Manor Lodge and Templeborough Roman fort. They held the very first meeting on 13 May 1912 in the Medical Library at Western Bank in the University of Sheffield.

James Ragg Wigfull (1864-1936) was an architect with a practice on East Parade, and designed many Sheffield buildings. He lectured at the Sheffield Technical School and was influential in the development of architecture at the University. As a very active member of the Hunter Archaeological Society, he was on the committee as secretary and programme secretary; he was editing and writing articles for the Transactions, and leading excursions to share his extensive knowledge, and an extensive glass slide collection remains from his many lectures.

T. Walter Hall (1862-1953) was a solicitor with Sorby and Hall on George Street, and a well know Sheffield character due to his love of music – he organised concert programmes and music festivals in the city. His father John and brother Arthur were equally well known surgeons. Walter became the first Chairman of the Society. He was interested in genealogy and catalogued many charters and old documents.

Charles Green (1834-1916) studied design and modelling at the very new Sheffield School of Design and quickly made his name – he designed the Mayor of Sheffield’s chain in 1855 and modelled the plaster work in the banqueting hall of the Cutlers’ Hall. He worked in wood, iron and bronze, designing the panel still used as the Hunter Archaeological Society logo. The meetings of the fledgling committee of the Society were held at his studio on Shrewsbury Road in 1912; he also conducted walks and gave lectures.

More detailed biographies of many early active Hunter members can be found in the Transactions of the Hunter Archaeological Society volume 26 (2) 2012 (2023).