2.1 Inherited City

Geographical Location: “The Pennine City”

The City Hall – fine civic buildings in sandstone

Sheffield rests on the eastern flank of the Pennines, within the catchment of the River Don. The geographical location of Sheffield and steep topography made communications difficult prior to the advent of the railways, isolating the city from the main trade routes. This isolation promoted a strong identity within the city which has remained to this day. The opening of water transport and the advent of rail in the 1830s established strong connections to the rest of the country.

Sheffield’s region has a unique and specific geology, with the Pennines being one of the most important sources of building materials and stone paving in the country. The Pennine Gritstone and sandstones, from quarries such as Stokehall at Grindleford and Johnson Wellfield near Huddersfield, are utilised in Sheffield city centre’s key civic buildings, such as the Town Hall and City Hall. It is also used on the streets, reinforcing a strong local character.

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