A to Z of Sheffield Part 1: 13 amazing facts and pieces of trivia about the city that might surprise you
By Sarah Marshall
Published 9th Dec 2020, 15:36 BST
There are many things that Sheffield is known for such as its industrial history and beloved professional football teams, but there are also a whole host of facts and pieces of trivia about the city that might surprise you.
Scroll through and see how many facts you’re already aware of.
Part 2 will be coming soon and please let us know if you think of any facts about Sheffield that aren’t included but should be.
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Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.
9. NSST-Fox Springs 1903.jpg
Sheffield has a very proud industrial history that saw it become the undisputed iron, steel and cutlery capital of the world. It is still recognised for its valuable contribution to the world’s steel history, and has long been called the ‘Steel City’ for this very reason. Picture of workers at Fox Springs in 1904 Photo: I - Industrial heritage
Jessica Ennis-Hill. Sheffield-born Jessica is one of the best British athletes of her generation. Competing in the heptathlon, Jessica was an Olympic champion in 2012, a three time world champion and was also the 2010 European champion. She was introduced to athletics during a Start:Track event at the Don Valley Stadium in 1996, and from there she joined the City of Sheffield and Dearne Athletic Club the following year. Picture: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Photo: J - Jessica Ennis-Hill
Sheffield has been known for the production of knives since as far back as the 14th century, and it was even mentioned in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales which was written between 1387 and 1400. Pictured is Mrs Brenda Jones, a secretary at Joseph Rodgers and Sons Ltd in February 1968, displaying the firm's latest line of butcher's knives Photo: K - Knives
Sheffield is home to one of the UK’s most iconic independent music venues, The Leadmill. It opened in 1980, and is the city’s longest-running music venue. Its opening coincided with the rise in popularity of Sheffield bands including The Human League, Cabaret Voltaire, ABC and Heaven 17. Despite what the name suggests, the building was once home to a flour mill, and after that it housed the Esquire nightclub during the 1960s where acts included Jimi Hendrix and The Small Faces. Photo: L - Leadmill