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 …