It’s the Sheffield suburb where Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker grew up and even features in one of the band’s most beloved songs. These pictures show how Intake has changed from the 1870s
These nostalgic pictures show Intake down the years, from the early 20th century to the dawn of the 21st century.
Before the 19th century, Intake was mainly land used for agricultural purposes. It used to be a small farming settlement in the historic parish of Handsworth.
The Shire Brook which flows through the south-east, originally marked the boundary between Derbyshire and Yorkshire.
In the 20th century, many collieries were opened in the area, Birley Collieries and Dent Main Colliery, with coal mining being the main source of employment locally during the 19th and 20th century.
If you liked this – Read the story of: ‘The miners that time forgot: The haunting story of the 1876 Birley Mine Disaster’
It was in the 1930s that the area saw an increase in construction, likely due to the mining industry. This rapid expansion led to the village becoming a part of the city of Sheffield as a result.
🎞️ Did you enjoy this look back to the Sheffield in the years’ past? If you did, then you should sign up to our free retro newsletter.
This retro photo gallery shows how the area has changed over the years, including many generations of school children, much-missed shops, and the old Rex Cinema that is much-missed by local moviegoers.
Among the streets pictured is Stanhope Road, famously referenced in the opening lines to Babies, which appeared on Pulp’s breakthrough album, His ‘n’ Hers.
Do these photos bring back any memories?

21. Stanhope Road
Stanhope Road, Intake, viewed from Mansfield Road, showing Exquisite, hair stylists, some time between 1980 and 1999 | Picture Sheffield/Douglas Edward Axe/Brian Douglas Stevens


23. Royal Oak
Pictured at the newly refurbished pub, The Royal Oak, Mansfield Road, Intake, where landlord Billy Margetts is seen at the bar, December 1997

24. Sanderson Trophy
The U11 Intake School football team, winners of the Sanderson Trophy, back row, left to right, Carl Parks, Ashley Longstaff, Matthew Smith and Michael Crossland. Front, Ben Starosta (captain), Daniel Cooper, Chris Radford and Anthony Hobson, on April 22, 1998
