Margaret Thatcher was in power, unemployment hit three million and health workers took strike action over pay. Sadly, the name of the city hit headlines worldwide when HMS Sheffield was sunk, with the loss of 20 lives, in the Falklands conflict.
On the lighter side of life, Sheffield new wave bands such as the Human League and ABC were riding high in the charts and you might have gone to new venue the Nelson Mandela Building at Sheffield Poly to watch bands.
What do you remember? See if these pictures bring back memories.
5. Our beloved Brendan
Boxing trainer and promoter Brendan Ingle, pictured at his St Thomas's gym in Wincobank, Sheffield in 1982 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
6. Happy holidays
A party of more than 50 readers of The Star and Morning Telegraph enjoying a holiday of a lifetime in Japan. Pictured are members of the party after disembarkation from a cruise on Lake Hakone in 1982 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
7. On the march
The 1982 May Day Rally march passing along Haymarket, Sheffield Photo: Colin Drury
8. Open road
Coun Norman West, chairman of Sheffield Highways Committee, cuts the tape to officially open the new Norton bypass, watched by councillors, officials and members of the public, on June 28, 1982 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers