Department: Social History

This dog collar was made especially for Rollo the dog after the 1864 Sheffield flood. The flood was caused by a break in the Dale Dyke dam near Low Bradfield, and the massive rush of water killed 240 people and destroyed many homes and businesses.

The collar is inscribed:
"This collar was purchased by subscription and presented to Rollo, the property of Mr Henry Walker, Philadelphia Steel Works, owing to his narrow escape from drowning In the Great Flood March 12 1864".

The collar’s inscription could mean that Rollo helped to save Henry Walker, or that Rollo was given the collar because people were so relieved that he survived.

Display Location: Weston Park Museum