Going Downhill: the Evolution of a Sheffield Neighbourhood from the 17th to the 20th Century

Summary

During the 2000s, Sheffield saw a sharp increase in developer-funded excavation of 18th- and 19th-century archaeological sites. This was due to extensive re-development of the city centre and a growing recognition of the importance of industrial-period remains to Sheffield’s heritage and identity. Remains of working-class housing built in association with a rapid rise in the population from the mid-18th century formed a significant proportion of the excavated sites. This paper will consider the development of one of the sites on the edge of the medieval town, using material evidence and documentary sources to examine the changing nature of the neighbourhood and its occupants over three centuries. It will explore how migration and ownership patterns, occupation and employment structure and the physical changes to the buildings and topography of the neighbourhood contributed to its evolving identity and reputation.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• New Perspectives on the Rural and Urban Poor: Great Britain 1550-1950   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2013

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 548