×

Sheffield Free Walking Tour: Steel City, the Law and Disorder, Murder and Mayhem tour

Duration: 2h
Languages: English
Guru: Kevin
Registered on July 11, 2022

Hello, my name is Kevin. I'm a retired police sergeant, I also have experience working within the criminal justice system at the Sheffield Combined and Family Courts.. As a police officer I spent a number of years 'pounding the beat' in Sheffield city centre. I also worked as a shift and custody sergeant. I grew to be fascinated with Sheffield's history of people and places .especially the more 'dark' side of that history. I have organised walking tours for my colleagues at the courts and now I have fully retired I have designed this tour. I'm a born and bred 'Sheffielder', a lover of Guinness and a passionate Sheffield Wednesday supporter. So, come and join me on the beat, lets walk and talk together as we open up some of Sheffield's forgotten past. Looking forward to meeting you.

Show more
  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

We will meet in Castlegate alongside Lady's Bridge, Sheffield's oldest bridge. This is the birthplace of the city. From a clearing in the woods where two great rivers, The Don and The Sheaf, meet Sheffield grew to become the UK's 4th largest city and to be known around the world as the Steel City. We'll reimagine Sheffield Castle, the prison of Mary Queen of Scots, and learn of its destruction. We'll meander through the old town, along its still cobbled streets, visiting sites where criminals were active, police officers killed on duty, chartists conspired and razor gangs battled. Who was the chartist leader of the Sheffield Uprising and how is he commemorated in the city today? Who was Charlie Peace, why was he England's most wanted man who had his waxwork effigy displayed in London's Madame Tussauds and have film and stage plays written about his life? Why was Sheffield known as 'Little Chicago' during the 1920s and what exactly was the 'Rhino Whip' affair in 1963 which caused the then Chief Constable to resign? All of this and more will be explored with the tour concluding in the Peace Gardens today's Heart of the City.

What's not included:
This is an outdoor walking tour. We won't be entering any of the buildings we visit as part of the tour. Sheffield City centre isn't flat we'll be walking up and down inclines and over uneven surfaces.

Show more
  • Meeting point:
    Five Weirs Walk - City Centre Start P...
    Five Weirs Walk - City Centre Start Point, Castlegate, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S3 8LB, UK
    View on map

    On Castlegate next to the Lady's Bridge information sign carrying a black backpack.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

56 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.91
Fun
4.56
Expression
4.76
Quality
4.87
Route
4.77
Generic
5 stars
50
4 stars
6
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Judith 14 Apr 2024

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
This tour was mainly about Sheffield's history in respect of 'Law, Disorder, Murder and Mayhem'.Kevin knew his subject well and gave entertaining anecdotes about specific characters who stood out as the city's former bad boys. The tour also covered other interesting snippets about the city's history, eg. their rather unique approach to getting the whole community involved in periodically cleaning the streets. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Miguel 07 Apr 2024
Manchester

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Apr 2024
One of the most unique tours I have taken, with a focus on the history of crime in the city. Kevin's experience in the police enriches the information. Highly recommended!
Philippa 07 Apr 2024
Egham

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Apr 2024
Very informative couple of hours. This is not a typical highlights tour...as it says in the title the theme is crime and Kevin's policing background made him very well qualified to lead the walk. Lots of stories interspersed with Sheffield history and landmarks. Recommended. Thanks Kevin !
Ravi 30 Mar 2024
Coventry

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Mar 2024
It was an enjoyable two hours, with interesting stories about the gangs of Sheffield and history. Kevin is a very warm and friendly guide. 😊
Simon 09 Mar 2024

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Mar 2024
What a lovely tour. Kevin was an excellent guide, he provided us with historical information ranging from the 1200s to the modern day, as well as sprinkling in his own annecdotes along the way. We saw quite a lot of Sheffield and saw things we'd walked past many times before. If anyone is looking for more information on Sheffield and it's hidden treasures, Kevin's tour is a good place to start! (He'll also recommend other tours and experiences to enhance your knowledge).
Show 56 reviews

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Show more
See availability
Explore
Bookings
Messages