1889 Books
Writing, Publishing, Ghost-writing, Copy-editing
Late Victorian Sheffield.
Sheffield in the 1890s was a city devoted to work with a population approaching 400,000, and rapidly rising, as it pulled in workers from all around. Chimneys dominated the skyline. It was also a time of great change as medieval street layouts were widened to accommodate trams and other vehicles. The Town Hall had just been built and the City Council was growing in confidence taking on public utilities and trams. Building raced ahead in its suburbs and the beautiful legacy of parks was laid down.
In the city that gave birth to much of the modern game of football, its two professional teams experienced their best ever period. United won the league in 1898, and were runners-up in 1897 and 1900. They won the cup in 1899 and 1902, and were runners up in 1901. The Wednesday won the league in 1903 and 1904, and won the cup in 1896, and were runners-up in 1894, 1895 and 1904.
The iron bridge over the Don with the Borough Bridge in the background. Rab and Ada stand here in chapter 13. The current iron bridge, built later, stands neglected in the middle of Bridgehouses roundabout. Most people don't even know it's there.
Credit: Sheffield Local Studies Library: Picture Sheffield S12209
The Smithfields market fairgound (chapter 7) next to the Don, viewed from Victoria Station approach.
From a water colour by Herbert J Finn. Credit: Sheffield Local Studies Library: Picture Sheffield S12209
Bridge Street just along from Ada's shop. And a buffer girl?
Credit: Sheffield Local Studies Library: Picture Sheffield S08004
One of the ceremonial arches for Queen Victoria's visit (chapter 6). Note the state of the road.
Credit: Sheffield Local Studies Library: Picture Sheffield S01579
A somewhat less grand arch in St Mary's Road, Norfolk Park behind.
Credit: Sheffield Local Studies Library: Picture Sheffield w00256
The Don from Lady's Bridge. The weir ​is just out of shot. (Chapter 19 and others)
Credit: Sheffield Local Studies Library: Picture Sheffield S12216
