City Guides
Sheffield
History
Sheffield Castle was built after the Norman Conquest in the ninth century. A small market town grew up around it (still the market area of the city, named Castle Market), and by the sixteenth century, Sheffield had become the UK centre of cutlery production. It was this steel production, and the locally developed innovations in the industry, that spurred Sheffield’s development into an industrial borough. In 1893, Sheffield was granted a city charter.
Owing to its role in the production of weapons and ammunition during World War II, Sheffield suffered an intense bombing campaign and nearly seven hundred people were killed in a month. This period is known locally as the Sheffield Blitz.
Modernisation of the city began in the 1950s and 60s, when new road systems were developed and slums demolished to make way for housing complexes, such as the Grade II listed Park Hill flats and, later, Hyde Park flats. Decline in the steel industry led to the closure of many factories and mills, and the collapse of the coal industry in the 80s resulted in mass unemployment across the city.
The economic situation in the city changed for the better in the 90s. Meadowhall shopping centre generated a wealth of new jobs in its three hundred stores, and with shop units available so cheaply, made market competition easier for new retail businesses. In 1991, Sheffield hosted the World Student Games and money poured in for the development of world-class sporting facilities and improvements to the transport system. Sheffield is now officially the National City of Sport.
Various other ambitious and innovation regeneration projects are currently under discussion, with the aim of encouraging further commercial investment and improving the city’s appearance.
Weston Park Museum is located across the road from Sheffield Children’s Hospital, just a mile from the city centre, and showcases exhibits revealing Sheffield’s long and vibrant history. There are animated displays and creative opportunities for children, as well as exhibitions exploring Sheffield through the ages. The museum is open seven days a week and admission is free. There is a café on the premises. For more information, contact the museum on 0114 278 2600.
There are a number of historical buildings around the city. Bishops’ House in Meersbrook Park has many of its original fifteenth and sixteenth century features and some of its original furniture. Admission is free, but only available to non-educational party groups on Saturday and Sunday. The Old Queen’s Head, a pub by the bus station, is the oldest commercial building in Sheffield. Over five hundred years old, with timbered walls and an engraving of local legend ‘Spring Heeled Jack’ in one of the uprights, the pub is well worth a visit.
The Norfolk Heritage Trail is a walk, just under three miles in length, linking Manor Lodge with the Cathedral and passing a number of historical buildings and sights with links to the Dukes of Norfolk. The trail is a popular one with visitors, and mostly downhill so an easy one to complete!
Owing to its role in the production of weapons and ammunition during World War II, Sheffield suffered an intense bombing campaign and nearly seven hundred people were killed in a month. This period is known locally as the Sheffield Blitz.
Modernisation of the city began in the 1950s and 60s, when new road systems were developed and slums demolished to make way for housing complexes, such as the Grade II listed Park Hill flats and, later, Hyde Park flats. Decline in the steel industry led to the closure of many factories and mills, and the collapse of the coal industry in the 80s resulted in mass unemployment across the city.
The economic situation in the city changed for the better in the 90s. Meadowhall shopping centre generated a wealth of new jobs in its three hundred stores, and with shop units available so cheaply, made market competition easier for new retail businesses. In 1991, Sheffield hosted the World Student Games and money poured in for the development of world-class sporting facilities and improvements to the transport system. Sheffield is now officially the National City of Sport.
Various other ambitious and innovation regeneration projects are currently under discussion, with the aim of encouraging further commercial investment and improving the city’s appearance.
Weston Park Museum is located across the road from Sheffield Children’s Hospital, just a mile from the city centre, and showcases exhibits revealing Sheffield’s long and vibrant history. There are animated displays and creative opportunities for children, as well as exhibitions exploring Sheffield through the ages. The museum is open seven days a week and admission is free. There is a café on the premises. For more information, contact the museum on 0114 278 2600.
There are a number of historical buildings around the city. Bishops’ House in Meersbrook Park has many of its original fifteenth and sixteenth century features and some of its original furniture. Admission is free, but only available to non-educational party groups on Saturday and Sunday. The Old Queen’s Head, a pub by the bus station, is the oldest commercial building in Sheffield. Over five hundred years old, with timbered walls and an engraving of local legend ‘Spring Heeled Jack’ in one of the uprights, the pub is well worth a visit.
The Norfolk Heritage Trail is a walk, just under three miles in length, linking Manor Lodge with the Cathedral and passing a number of historical buildings and sights with links to the Dukes of Norfolk. The trail is a popular one with visitors, and mostly downhill so an easy one to complete!
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