This town has been long celebrated for its manufac tures, for carrying on which it is particularly adapt ed, both from its situation on a navigable river, and from the abundance of coal, iron-stone, and lead in its icinity. The hard ware in a nu facto res of Sheffield constitute the great source of its wealth. They con sist of cutlery, and plated goods, the former compre hending the trades of making edge tools, joiner's tools, files, fenders, anvils, knives and forks, penknives, pocketknives, razors, scissors, snuffers, saws, scythes, hay and straw knives, sickles, sheers, awl-blades, bel lows, nails, halls, inkstands, buttons, cases, combs, together with the refining of steel. Under the head of plated goods, are comprehended candlesticks, tea urns, coffee pots, saucepans, tankards, cups, and va rious articles of table furniture. Lenses and optical instruments are also manufactured here; and there are in the town and its vicinity, extensive foundries for iron, brass, and white metal.
Since the year 1297, Sheffield seems to have been the staple for iron manufactures; but for several cen turies its trade was very limited, and consisted chiefly of the manufacture of sheath knives, scissors, scythes, and sickles. Early in the sixteenth century, iron to bacco boxes, and Jews' harps were manufactured; and in 1625, the master manufacturers were incorporated by the title of "The Company of Cutlers of lIallam shire," which is the only corporate body in Sheffield. Previous to 1750, the manufactures had not extended beyond Great Britain; but in that year, Mr. Broad
bent opened a direct trade with the continent, which was greatly facilitated by the opening of the river Don in 1751, and within three miles of the town. The silver plating of brass and copper articles was now begun by Mr. Bolsover; and in 1758, the silver plat ed manufacture was set on foot by Air. Hancock, on the most extensive scale. The wealth and popula tion of the town increased with great rapidity, and have advanced with progressive steps, till Sheffield obtained its present elevated condition among the trading manufacturing towns in Britain.
During the civil wars, Sheffield was defended by a castle; but upon its surrender to the parliamentary army, it was demolished.
Tile scenery in the neighbourhood of Sheffield is of a variegated and romantic character. The ruins of Sheffield manor-house, the ancient seat of the Earls of Shrewsbury, and the place of Cardinal Wolsey's residence, a short time before his death, is situated about tl mile to the east of the town. Wharncliffe park, the seat of J. A. Stuart Wortley, now Lord Wharncliffe, stands on the Don, about six miles to the north-west of the town. It is remarkable for the elegance of the mansion house, and the beauty of its grounds. The view of Sheffield, from the height Over which it is entered from Wakefield, is very fine. There are some alum mines in the neighbourhood, and in the vicinity of the town is a quarry which yields excellent grindstones for cutlery.
See Aitken's Description of the Comdr?' round Man chester, 1795, and the Bundles of England and IT'alcs, vol.