Today I learned a lot about steel, cutlery, and precision tools.  While Ian walked 24 km from Sheffield Station to Grindleford, the first stage of the Steel Cotton Trail, I was exploring the city of Sheffield.  We’d taken an unassuming train from Mexborough, to arrive in the centre of the city.  Ian headed south through the suburbs before reaching the moors between Dore and Grindleford. 

I climbed up a short hill to my first stop, the Millennium Gallery. There were three exhibition rooms.  The middle one was the most interesting.  It contained an extensive display of the metal work that Sheffield is globally famous for.  It was here I learned about cutlery and serviceware. Did you know that anything that cuts, is classed as cutlery? Me neither.  I spent a happy half hour wandering around the glass cabinets full of fancy knives and elaborate tea pots. 

Next door is the splendid Winter Garden, full of people enjoying a sit down while admiring the plants underneath the soaring structure.  I felt obliged to sit down too.

Just outside, there are large shiny spheres, painted lions (these are all over Sheffield – I must have seen about 100 of them), and inexplicably, a seaside funfair outside the Town Hall.

I was already realising that Sheffield is a very pedestrian friendly city – easily walkable, and lots of pleasant spaces with seating.  A congestion tax keeps the car traffic relatively light, and colourful Supertrams zip around. I’m not sure what makes them Super – they look pretty much like ordinary trams. But, why not.

After lunch, I made my way downhill to the River Don, where Kelham Island was situated. Kelham Island was one of the many industrial areas in Sheffield where steel and steel products were made.  Some of the machines are still in full working order, beautifully restored.

I had no idea exactly how many different steel products there were, from armour plating for battleships, produced by giant steam engines, to intricate precision instruments such as surgical tools.  Kelham Island’s museum had all of this and more.  It was fascinating.  I came away with a much better understanding of how important this industry was to Sheffield.  Luckily there are a small number of steelmakers, still producing top quality items, keeping the reputation of Made In Sheffield intact.