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Sheffield Facts & Worksheets

Sheffield is a vibrant city with rich history and diverse culture, offering visitors a unique blend of modern and traditional experiences, located in the heart of England

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Sheffield is a city in South Yorkshire, in north-central England. Sheffield is located at the foot of the Pennine highlands, where four streams – the Sheaf (where Sheffield was named after), Porter, Rivelin, and Loxley – converge to form the River Don.

See the fact file below for more information on Sheffield, England, or you can download our 32-page Sheffield England worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

  • Sheffield was an Anglo-Saxon settlement. Sheffield Castle was built to protect surrounding populations, and a tiny town emerged that formed the city’s foundation.
  • By 1296, a market was created, now known as Castle Square, and Sheffield expanded into a small market town.
  • In the 14th century, Sheffield was well-known for its knife-making. 
  • By the early 1600s, Sheffield had become the principal base of cutlery manufacture in England outside London.
  • In the 1740s, a type of crucible steel process was discovered by Benjamin Huntsman, allowing the manufacture of higher-quality steel.
  • Sheffield cutler Thomas Boulsover developed a technique for fusing silver onto copper to produce silver plating, known as the Sheffield plate.
  • In 1838, the Sheffield and Rotherham railway was established, which connected the two towns.
  • In 1842, Sheffield was established as a borough, and in 1893, it was granted city status by letters patent.
  • By 1856, Henry Bessemer’s technology of producing inexpensive steel in massive quantities was initially tested and employed in a factory in Sheffield, resulting in significant growth in the heavy steel industries. 
  • Around 1912, the process of stainless steel originated in Sheffield.
  • In the 1930s, Sheffield was affected by an economic shock, The Great Depression. Sheffield steel factories still produced weapons and ammunition as global tensions rose. Sheffield was a target for bombing raids, which are now referred to as the Sheffield Blitz.
  • Most of Sheffield was destroyed and replaced with housing developments in the 1950s and 1960s. 
  • In the 1980s, many steel factories closed due to rising automation and foreign competition. 

GEOGRAPHY

  • Sheffield is right next to Rotherham; its southern and western boundaries to Derbyshire; The Peak District National Park and Pennines directly in the west; and the lowlands of the South Yorkshire Coalfield in the east.
  • Sheffield is located at the junction of five rivers: the Don, the Sheaf, the Rivelin, the Loxley, and the Porter. As a result, Sheffield is situated on hillsides with views of the city center or the surrounding countryside.
  • Sheffield has over two million trees. Sheffield City Council claims it is England’s greenest city, which was backed when it won the Entente Florale competition in 2005.
  • Sheffield has a relatively temperate climate. The Pennines can generate a cold, dreary, damp environment. The wettest month was December, and the driest and hottest month was July, with an average maximum temperature of 20.8 °C.

GOVERNANCE

  • Sheffield is governed locally by the Sheffield City Council. Each of the 28 wards is represented by 3 council members, each covering 4-6 areas, for a total of 84 council members. 
  • Sheffield also has a Lord Mayor, a ceremonial post elected annually by the council.
  • Sheffield is a part of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. City regions were established in 2004. The Sheffield City Region covers South Yorkshire authorities and Bolsover District, Borough of Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, and Bassetlaw District. 
  • Sheffield also sends five members to the House of Commons, with a 6th, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, who represents parts of Sheffield and Barnsley.

ECONOMY

  • Sheffield is well-known for its metallurgy and steel production. Its geographic location is a significant reason for its success in producing cutlery. Water power was given by the abundance of rivers in the area. The geological formations of the Hope Valley, in particular, provided adequate grit stones for grinding mills.
  • Forgemasters, founded in 1805, is the world’s last independent steel factory in Sheffield. The company is known worldwide for creating the largest and most intricate steel forgings and castings.
  • While iron and steel have long been Sheffield’s leading businesses, coal mining has also been significant, particularly in the outskirts.
  • Sheffield is also a central retail area, with several High Street, department, and designer boutiques.
  • Sheffield Moor Market launched in 2013 and quickly established itself as the premier destination for fresh food. It has 196 stalls, including local and organic vegetables and international fusion cuisine such as Russian, Jamaican, and Thai.
  • Meadowhall Shopping Center, located north of Sheffield, is also a prominent regional shopping attraction ranked 11th largest in the United Kingdom. Before Meadowhall, the land was occupied by East Hecla (steel) works. 

EVENTS AND FACILITIES

  • Sheffield Arena. A multi-purpose arena located near Meadowhall. It opened in 1991 and is used for concerts and sporting events. It can hold up to 13,600 people.
  • Ponds Forge International Sports Center.  A recreational complex that comprises an Olympic-sized swimming pool and 2,600 seats for spectators, family and children’s pools, water slides, and other sports facilities.
  • Don Valley Stadium. A sports stadium named after the neighboring River Don. It hosted many other events and sports and served as a training facility for the City of Sheffield Athletic Club. It was demolished as part of a budget-cutting strategy in 2013. It was the UK’s second-largest athletics stadium after the London Olympic Stadium.
  • Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Following the demolition of Don Valley Stadium, it was formed and built in its exact location. The park is envisioned as a collaborative initiative involving several partners. It includes teaching facilities, a stadium, and research and development facilities.
  • Crucible Theater. A theater that offers regular theatrical events. It is most known for holding the World Snooker Championship, professional snooker’s most prestigious tournament, which has been held annually at the venue since 1977.
  • Hillsborough Stadium. A covered association football stadium with 4 stands: 2 large two-tiered and 2 large single-tiered. All four stands have almost the same capacity, with the South Stand being the largest and the West Stand being the smallest.
  • Ice Sheffield. An ice arena that serves as a training facility for figure skating, ice dancing, and hockey. 
  • Sheffield has numerous golf courses located across the city. Sheffield also has indoor climbing centers. It holds the Sheffield Half Marathon every year, in which hundreds of people participate. It was the first National City of Sport in the UK. It is now home to the English Institute of Sport – Sheffield.
  • Sheffield is also home to teams: Sheffield Tigers rugby union (football team), Sheffield Sharks (basketball team), Sheffield Giants (American Football team), Sheffield University Bankers hockey, Sheffield Steelers ice hockey, and Sheffield Tigers speedway. 

ATTRACTIONS

  • Sheffield Walk of Fame. Placed outside Sheffield Town Hall, which honors renowned Sheffield residents or those connected to Sheffield. There are plaques with famous people’s names and why they are recognized. 
  • Graves Park. A parkland created to shield historic woods from construction. It has a combination of open space, forest, and various streams. It has three tiny lakes surrounded by tall forests and an animal farm, home to numerous distinctive kinds of cattle, pigs, poultry, and donkeys.
  • Winter Garden. A temperate glasshouse, which is one of the largest created in the UK and the largest urban glasshouse in Europe. It is home to around 2,000 plants from all over the world. 
  • Peace Gardens. A Sheffield inner-city square with fountains and cascades. They are to depict the flowing molten steel that made Sheffield renowned and the water from Sheffield’s rivers, which were used to power the mills that powered Sheffield’s industries.
  • Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Botanical gardens featuring over 5,000 plant species. It has glass pavilions, a main gateway, a south entry lodge, and a bear pit. It houses the national collection of the Sarcococca, Weigela, and Diervilla genera.
  • Millennium Square. A modern city square with fountains shaped like steel spheres. It comprises a suspended concrete slab covered with granite and sandstone pavers, as well as hundreds of LED lights that illuminate the square and the steel water features running throughout it.

CULTURE

Music and Dance

  • Sheffield has produced well-known bands and musicians, such as Joe Cocker, Paul Carrack, Arctic Monkeys, Bring Me the Horizon, and Pulp.
  • Sheffield is home to several orchestras and choirs. Music in the Round, a philanthropic organization that promotes chamber music, is also based there. 
  • Sheffield has vibrant folk music, singing, and dance scene. Weekly singing and music sessions are held in several pubs throughout the city. Singing songs in pubs around Christmas is also done, called Sheffield Carol.
  • The city has 13 morris dancing teams, regarded to be the highest concentration of sides in the country. Throughout Sheffield, nearly every type of dance is represented.

Festivals

  • Sensoria Music & Film Festival. Features a one-of-a-kind mix of live performances, film screenings, installations, exhibitions, and music industry activity. It is known for its varied program that celebrates mavericks and pioneers and uses unconventional venues and innovative means of presenting.
  • Tramlines Festival. An annual music festival that features national and local musicians. Its name is derived from the city’s tram network. Its first festival was held in 2009, which was a big success. Meanwhile, Tramlines Festival 2011 won “Best Metropolitan Festival” at the UK Festival Awards.

Sheffield Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Sheffield, England across 32 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Sheffield, a vibrant city with rich history and diverse culture, offering visitors a unique blend of modern and traditional experiences, located in the heart of England.

Sheffield Worksheets
Sheffield Worksheets
Sheffield Worksheets

Download includes the following worksheets

  • Sheffield, England Facts 
  • Sheffield, England
  • Visualizing Sheffield
  • Timeline Box
  • Around Sheffield
  • Sheffield Economy
  • Just Sheffield Things
  • Steelmasters
  • Name The Place
  • My Five Senses
  • Sheffield or Not

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of Sheffield?

Sheffield has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city’s name comes from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. In the Middle Ages, Sheffield became a center for metalworking, particularly the production of knives, swords, and other weapons. During the Industrial Revolution, Sheffield became known as the “Steel City” due to its steel production. In the 20th century, Sheffield experienced a decline in the steel industry, leading to the city’s revitalization in the areas of culture, education, and technology.

What are the must-visit attractions in Sheffield?

There are several must-visit attractions in Sheffield, including the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, the Millennium Gallery, and the Winter Garden. For sports fans, a visit to Bramall Lane, the oldest professional football stadium in the world, is a must. The Peak District National Park is also located nearby, offering stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities.

What is the food scene like in Sheffield?

Sheffield has a thriving food scene, with a diverse range of cuisines on offer. The city is famous for its local delicacy, the “Henderson’s Relish,” a spicy sauce that is added to many dishes. Sheffield also has several Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as a range of more casual dining options, including street food markets and independent cafes.

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Sheffield?

Sheffield has several great neighborhoods to stay in, depending on your interests. The city center is a popular choice for those who want to be close to the action and within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions. Other popular neighborhoods include Ecclesall Road, known for its independent shops and restaurants, and Kelham Island, an up-and-coming area with a vibrant nightlife scene.

What is the music scene like in Sheffield?

Sheffield has a rich musical heritage, with many famous bands hailing from the city, including Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, and Def Leppard. The city has a thriving music scene, with several live music venues, including the Leadmill and the O2 Academy, hosting regular gigs and concerts. The city also hosts the annual Tramlines festival, which attracts thousands of music fans from around the country.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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