CITY 

Introduction: 

Sheffield is one of the top five largest cities in England. Located in South Yorkshire, on the Rivers Sheaf and Don, the city is world famous for its quality steel products. 

Brief History: 

Although it has been in existence since the 12th century, when there was a castle and a church, Sheffield initially grew very slowly. In medieval times it was still the size of a village but cutlery was known to be produced from the early 1300s. 

By 1600 it had grown to be the most important maker of cutlery, outside London, and had other trades such as wool weaving. The population was very poor but a Cutler’s House was built in 1638, which was preceded by a grammar school. By the late 17th century the population began to grow and more steel components were being built, mainly tools. 

By the 1700s Sheffield had become a good sized, but grimy industrial town with very much poverty. However, Georgian England saw industry boom, including the invention of silver plate, which meant household items such as candlesticks and teapots could be made. The River Don was made navigable into the centre of the city. 

By the 1851 census the population had reached 135,000. Back to Back houses were built for the working classes and smarter homes for the middle classes sprang up in the Glossop Road area. In 1856 Henry Bessemer invented a new way of producing quality steel and production soared. Throughout the Victorian era the trappings of modern life were introduced. Water, sanitation, gas, trams, sewers, library etc. In 1893 city status was achieved and a new Town Hall was built. 

The beginning of the 20th century saw a population of 400,000. The city’s industries were very important in WW1 but this meant bombing by Zeppelins. Post war saw depression, unemployment, but also the beginning of slum clearance. The Second World War saw the same high production coupled with the inevitable bombing. The city boundaries expanded post world war and lots of new council housing built. However, the traditional industries went into decline and more service industry employment came into being. There was also the Universities and expansion of retail and tourism to help create a more diverse economy. Investment was also put into a new Super Tram system. 

The 21st century sees Sheffield in a reasonable place for the future and with a current population of 551.000, making it one of the largest cities in England.  

Things to Do: 

For transport in the city check out www.travelsouthyorkshire.com. 

Kelham Island Museum:

This industrial museum sits on a 900 year old man- made island. It has archives and interactive galleries showing the trades, workmanship and heavy industry in Sheffield as the Industrial Revolution took place. It also follows the growth of the Sheffield steel industry during the Victorian era and on through two world wars. Open Sunday to Thursday entrance is £5.50 for adults and free for children and is located in Alma Street, S3 8RY. Take buses to Mowbray Street or Gibraltar Street, or a 25 minute walk from Sheffield Station or tram to Shalesmoor tram stop. There is a café/bistro and shop. 

Sheffield Cathedral:

The site of the cathedral has been a place of worship for 1000 years. The first church was built in the 12th century and it was made a cathedral in 1914. There are tours and a Heritage centre which traces the history of the city and the cathedral. The cathedral which is located in Church Street, S1 1HA has a café. Buses and a tram pass nearby and parking is in nearby public car parks. 

Bishops’ House:

Built in the 15th century this house is a very good example of a timber frame building. Open all year on Saturdays and Sundays the house is located in Meersbrook Park. There a couple of cafes nearby. Admission is free and full details can be found at www.bishopshouse.org.uk. 

Weston Park Museum:

Is the Museum of Sheffield which tells the city’s story from Pre-History to the present day. Entrance is free and is open every day. There is a shop in the museum.

The museum can be found at Weston Park which is a beautiful attraction in its own right.

Both should be visited using public transport from the city centre, routes 51 and 52. Street parking is practically non-existent. Full details can be found at www.museums-sheffield.org.uk. 

Peak District:

To the west of Sheffield lies the Peak District, England’s first National Park. It is a great area for walking and rock climbing, together with pretty villages. Accessible are Bakewell, home of the Bakewell tart, and Speedwell Cavern, where an underground boat ride in a lead mine is a great experience. Check out all to see and do at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk. 

Sheffield Botanical Gardens:

This is a beautiful place to visit with a big variety of gardens including Victorian, Mediterranean, Asia and Prairie themes. There is also a magnificent Pavilion with plants from all around the world. At the main entrance is a café and shop,

Located on Clarkehouse Road, S10 2LN, it can be accessed by bus using routes which should be checked out as above. There is no parking on site and same is limited on road nearby. 

Night Life:

With over 20 night clubs a good night out in Sheffield is guaranteed. These clubs are spread from West Street, City Hall City Centre to Hallam University area. Added to the club scene are a couple of dozen quality bars to visit. Check out www.sheffieldnights.com. There are also a couple of gay bars/clubs and a gay sauna. 

The Lyceum Theatre is a fine example of a late Victorian/Edwardian Theatre and after closure, followed by bingo, the theatre was saved and now puts on musicals, drama, panto etc. The theatre can be found in Tudor Square, S1 1DA. 

The Crucible theatre was built in 1971 and as well as theatrical performances, the venue is well known for holding the World Snooker Championship, annually. Its location is Norfolk Street, S1 1DA. 

Sheffield Arena is a large venue which hosts major music gigs and sporting events. It is located in Broughton Lane, S9. 

There is also the O2 Academy which holds music gigs and concerts. 

Ice Skating and Hockey can be found at iceSheffield in Coleridge Road, S9 5DA.

Ten Pin bowling can be found at Broughton Road, S9 2EP. 

Cinema is provided by Odeon, Vue and Cineworld chains plus the Showroom independent venue. 

Eating Out:

Cuisine of many nationalities can be found in the city and its environs. Whether your taste is Indian, Far Eastern, American or European, you will find something for your palate in the independent restaurants.

Alternatively, national chains abound alongside some very good gastro pubs and down to cafes and coffee houses. 

Shopping:

Being one of the country’s biggest cities it is expected that it would be a major shopping centre and it does not disappoint.

Probably the most well-known of its retail areas is Meadow Hall, a massive mall that lies close to the M1. Containing 270 stores the range is large department stores, national chains, fashion, homewares and includes cafes and restaurants.

In the city centre there is Fargate, close to the cathedral. This pedestrianised street contains national chains with an emphasis on fashion. Then there is The Moor market which is undercover and holds 196 stalls. Produce on sale ranges from fruit and vegetable to meats, fish and newsagents and service counters. Eccleshall Road, known locally as the Golden Mile, is an artistic fashionable street which houses trendy boutiques alongside bars and restaurants. There are also specialised shops within the city selling locally produced goods made of famous Sheffield steel. 

Accommodation:

Hotels range from 4* national and international chains, down to budget, guest house and pub accommodation. These can be found within the city centre and out to the suburbs and nearby countryside. 

Transport: 

Buses:

Sheffield has a huge bus structure in place with over 70 routes, principally provided by First and Stagecoach bus companies. The centre for same is Sheffield Interchange located on Pond Street between Sheffield Station and Odeon Cinema. From the centre routes fan out throughout the city centre to the suburbs and then to nearby towns such as Doncaster, Chesterfield, Rotherham and Buxton. The Interchange is also used by National Express. 

Trams:

There are three lines that operate in the city. The Yellow route joins Meadowhall to Middlewood, the Purple route joins Herdings Park and Cathedral and the Blue route joins Main Bridge to Half Way. Both Yellow and Blue pass by Hillsborough. 

Road:

Leaving the M1 north at Leeds the M62 goes to Manchester and Liverpool, where the M6 can be joined for north west England and the West Midlands. The M1 south leads to the East Midlands, London and South East England.

Locally, the A61 takes you south to Chesterfield and the A57 east to Worksop. Within the city centre a ring road is formed by the A61, Hanover Way and Netherthorpe Road. 

Railway:

Sheffield Station is located at Sheaf Street, S1 2BP. Sheffield trains to the capital terminate at London St. Pancras.

For other Midlands, south west and east destinations, the trains go via Derby.

Other main connections are to Doncaster and on to Hull/Grimsby and to Manchester, Liverpool and north west England. For Scotland and north east England proceed via Doncaster. Check out www.nationalrail.co.uk. 

Air:

The nearest airport is Doncaster/Sheffiled (Robin Hood) and can be reached by the A1M to Doncaster and then taking the A638 to the south east of the town. From the airport destinations include the UK, Europe and North Africa. Further afield routes include New York, Chicago, Boston, Toronto and Montego Bay. Check out www.robinhoodairport.com.

Alternatively, Leeds/Bradford can be accessed. 

Taxis:

There are about 15 firms that run taxi services throughout the city and to airports.