Sheffield

Sheffield is a big city in the region called Yorkshire in the North of England. It is the only town in South Yorkshire officially called a city. Sheffield was famous in the 19th century as an industrial city making cutlery (like knives and spoons). People in Sheffield have made cutlery for a very long time (a Sheffield-made knife is referred to in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales", a book from the middle ages).

Sheffield is also famous for making steel. Benjamin Huntsman discovered the crucible technique for making steel in 1740. In 1856, Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer Converter steelmaking furnace. Henry moved to Sheffield to make steel. Later, in 1912, Harry Brearly invented stainless steel in Sheffield.

However, in the 21st century, Sheffield is more famous for its University, football teams and for being the nearest city to the wonderful countryside area known as the Peak District

The first football team in the world was Sheffield F.C., set up in 1857. Sheffield currently has two big professional football teams: Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.

There are lots of famous bands from Sheffield. Some of them are Pulp, the Human League, Def Leppard and the Arctic Monkeys. Michael Palin is also from Sheffield.

Places close to Sheffield

Airports near here

Attractions near here

Cities and towns near here

  • Halifax(46.1 km)
    Halifax was built on the production of wool in the 18th century and worsted cloth and many of the town’s fine buildings are associated with textile production and the prosperity it created. The beautifully colonnaded Piece Hall opened in 1779 as a market place for ‘pieces’ of woollen and worsted cloth. Today it is home to a wonderful collection of independent shops, cafes and galleries. The huge square courtyard also hosts markets, music and special events through the year.
  • Oldham(46.6 km)
  • Manchester(52.1 km)
    Manchester is one of the great cities of Norther England. Manchester city has a population of 420 000, making it the 9th largest city in the United Kingdom. Manchester is a great cultural centre of the North of England and was at the heart of the Industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries. Manchester has achieved wold wide renown for some great bands and musicians such as 'Oasis' and 'Take That'. It is also, of course, the home of the football clubs 'Manchester United' and 'Manchester City'.