Hidden Sheffield Walks

12/07/2025

Sheffield Council are re-launching their 'Legends' plaques that are placed in the ground outside the Town Hall. This summer there will be a process to nominate new names which will then be considered for inclusion by a panel.

It would be appropriate for Sheffield's history and heritage scene to be recognised. There is some great work going on, thanks to many different people and organisations. I realise sport, music, and film, are going to attract more attention and I don't know how many 'legends' should be from the thriving heritage scene - but I do think it should be at least one.

To celebrate some of the city’s greatest achievers, Sheffield City Council is proposing to relaunch the Sheffield Legends – the city’s walk of fame honouring individuals who have achieved national or international acclaim.

11/07/2025

On my Substack now - a free subscriber post about what happened to cricket in Sheffield, and for paid members a look at the many changes in the city's boundaries, and the clues they left behind...

09/07/2025

'Then and Now' - A corner of Hillsborough that I pass regularly, and that has an interesting past. Where Heron and Savers are now was the site of a Victorian school. It was a 'National School', a pre-state education body of church schools. To the side in both photos runs a passage that used to be access to the former 'Old Blue Ball' pub amongst other things; part of an old route that pre-dates most of its surrounds.

06/07/2025

Recent posts on my Substack include a look at Norfolk Park, and the legacy of Sheffield's Victorian philanthropists. Every Monday there is a look at a photo 'from the archive', and every Friday an article about an aspect of the city's history and heritage.

Every two weeks there is a new in-depth article for paid subscribers too - paid memberships from just £3.99 a month :)

24/06/2025

The Picture Sheffield archive has hundreds of unidentified photos, which often take up a little of my time - I've even helped identify one or two. Some are virtually impossible, some turn out not to be Sheffield at all.

I do like this one, and hope it was taken somewhere here...

24/06/2025

Recent posts on my 'Hidden In Open Sight' Substack include a look at Bramall Lane and how it has changed over time...

Free subscribers more than welcome - paid memberships start from just £3.99 a month :)

14/06/2025

Passing St.John's Church, Ranmoor, earlier I saw a team of bellringers heading in. They welcomed us to not only have a look round, but watch them practice.

It was a great room, up a very tight spiral staircase, and a first for me to witness :)

14/06/2025

On my Substack this week; a free piece about the old Park District behind the railway station - and what happened to it...

Also, for paid subscribers, a look at the riots in Sheffield in 1791 that led to the building of a barracks to keep an eye on us :)

Paid memberships from just £3.99 a month

11/06/2025

Fair play to the world's 'first drain spotter' and his work...

He cleans and maintains the subjects of his (our) interest too - so deserves his credit.

He also has a film about him called 'Drainspotting' - I'm a fair bloke, I won't call the lawyers in :)

https://swns.live/stories/177266/preview/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK2KkNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBTRXRmRm13VHFYdjB0eGJEAR5ZFeYewUBy1OOxf8bCaCEspro7nLhYgKSEr82S3NBpiCUcdBYcB5cflHMdAQ_aem_RrTfl5lvLnTSp9qUshpSmg

07/06/2025

This week on Substack; a free subscriber piece about the negative observations on Sheffield over the centuries...from George III to George Orwell.

Paid subscriptions from just £3.99 a month. Free subscribers more than welcome too :)

06/06/2025

The September Heritage Open Days dates for my 'Drainspotting' and Lodge Moor tours have now been released! No booking required as it stands - I will let you know if that changes.

All Heritage Open Days events are free of charge :)

Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.