Sheffield, named after the River Sheaf which runs through the city, was described as the “Great Industrial Powerhouse”. It became well known for its heavy steel and cutlery industries, with the earliest records dating back to 1297 when a tax return belonging to Robert the Cutler was filed.
Sheffield’s natural assets meant it was ideally suited to this type of industry. The valleys with streams gave access to water power, the crags provided grit stone for producing grinding wheels, and the availability of iron ore provided the basic raw material.
From its …

1960, First kidney transplant
An Edinburgh doctor, Michael Woodruff, performs the first UK transplant involving an identical set of twins.
The first UK transplant takes place at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on October 30 and involves a set of 49-year-old twins. The procedure is a success, with both donor and recipient living for a further six years before dying of an unrelated illness. Kidney transplants, which for many are a welcome alternative to a lifetime of regular dialysis, now enjoy a high success rate but demand outstrips supply due to an ageing population …