History of Sheffield

Sheffield is located in South Yorkshire, and although the area had been inhabited by humans since approximately 1AD, the Industrial Revolution had a large role to play in putting Sheffield firmly on the map.

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the small town of Sheffield quickly became world famous for its production of cutlery and the invention of stainless steel, which led to improvements in transport and parliamentary representation to cope with the growing population. The town of Sheffield was finally granted its city charter in 1893 and has since lost its renowned steelworks due to a significant country-wide decline in the manufacturing industry during the twentieth century.

Geography of Sheffield

Sheffield is a particularly hilly city, nestled at the foothills of the Pennines separating it from the rest of Yorkshire. This allows for spectacular view across the modern city in bustling areas such as St Paul’s, and its many picturesque countryside suburbs, such as the woods of Ecclesall and the rolling hills of Dore and Totley.

Demographics of Sheffield

Sheffield is home to approximately 575,000 residents. The population exploded during the industrial revolution when the city was able to make use of the natural resources of iron, coal and water, putting Sheffield’s steel industry on the map. Having recently seen an increase in the number of overseas students and economic migrants from the EU, Sheffield proudly boasts a BME (black and minority ethnic groups) population of 19%.

Economy of Sheffield

The economy of Sheffield has undergone a spectacular revival over recent years. Once a global powerhouse for steel work production, Sheffield turned its attention towards the digital side of manufacturing with the establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in 2001, and it looks now as if electrical engineering and computer software will be the future of Sheffield's economy. 

Transport in Sheffield

Sheffield’s central location in England makes it a favourable location for those travelling for business or pleasure. The M1 and M18 are easily accessible, and Sheffield Train Station allows for easy travel across the Pennines and further afield. Sheffield’s train service is expected to become more efficient with the boost of the HS2 railway in 20226. 

Inter-city connections are aided by Sheffield’s infamous tram network, and for those seeking sunnier skies, Doncaster Sheffield Airport is only 24 miles from the city centre and offers flights to 54 stunning destinations worldwide.

Schools and Education in Sheffield

With 137 primary schools and 26 secondary schools across the city, Sheffield is a great place to live for growing families. In the field of higher education, The University of Sheffield holds an enviable position as one of the top 100 universities in the world with notable alumni such as Olympic Heptathlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and ex-Home Secretary Lord David Blunkett. Its respected city rival Sheffield Hallam University is the 11th largest university in the UK.

Arts and Culture in Sheffield

Birthplace of the world-famous bands Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and Def Leppard, it no surprise that Sheffield boasts a fascinating range of arts and cultural activities. Supporting Sheffield’s thriving music scene are a range of independent bars and venues, and each year Sheffield plays hosts to Tramlines Festival, a three-day celebration of music, art, comedy and food in the city centre.

In addition to this, Sheffield is home to two fantastic theatres, the Crucible Theatre and The Lyceum, and a wealth of fascinating museums boasting both ancient and modern artefacts from the local area.

Things to do in Sheffield

Due to the geographical location of the city, Sheffield boasts plenty of open-area green space for those who like to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful countryside. If you prefer your entertainment indoors, Meadowhall is the place for you. Holding the title of Yorkshire’s largest shopping centre, Meadowhall is the leading retail and leisure destination in Sheffield and hosts a variety of big-name and high-street stores, a Vue cinema and a thriving food court complete with a myriad of exciting cuisines.

Sheffield also offers a unique nightlife experience, with a range of entertainment from high-end bars and nightclubs to independent gig venues such as West Street Live and The Leadmill to large-scale events at FlyDSA Arena and the O2 Academy.

If it’s family fun you’re looking for, head over to Valley Centertainment Complex in the Don Valley. Home to Hollywood Bowling alley, the largest Cineworld cinema in the UK and a Lazer Quest adventure warehouse, the kids are sure to be amused for hours on end.