Once a Week (magazine)/Series 1/Volume 10/The Sheffield river system
THE SHEFFIELD RIVER SYSTEM.
None but those who have lived at Sheffield, or in its vicinity, can readily understand the enthusiasm with which the natives of "Hallamshire” so often refer to the scenery of that district. The term “Hallamshire” is one that dates from Saxon times, and the Norman surveyors appear to have included under it the whole of the present manor of Sheffield lying on the right bank of the Don, together with the “chapelry” of Bradfield. At a later date have been added the townships of Ecclesfield, Brightside, and Attercliffe,—all of these being on the eastern side of the Don. Beginning with Richard de Lovetot, in the reign of Henry II., down to the Dukes of Norfolk in the present day, the designation of “Hallamshire” has been used in legal documents by the proprietors of the feudal and manorial rights in Sheffield and the district around. In the reign of James I. an Act was passed granting “to the cutlers and iron-workers of Hallamshire” certain jurisdiction therein, and also "within six miles’ compass of the same.” The extensive boundaries thus indicated imply that the cutlers had then established their works and machinery on the upper courses of those streams that are so notable in the physical geography of the district, and which have been of such essential importance in its manufacturing and social history.
The railway traveller, entering Sheffield from the Midland station, or in passing the town on the lofty viaduct of the Manchester line, finds himself in a fuliginous atmosphere similar to that of the Staffordshire “black country.”
Probably he would smile incredulously if he were told that he is there on the confines of a district which has been characterised as the
Destined rival of Tempean vales.
Yet, making due allowance for English fogs and clouds, the praise here implied is not too high for the beautiful scenery that abounds beside the brooks and in the ravines of Hallamshire. It is true the same poetess[1] expresses a regret that,—
E'er wove the floral crowns or smiling stretched
The shelly sceptre,—there no poet roved
To catch bright inspirations.
That lament, however, is now obsolete; for in due time Hallamshire found its poet in Ebenezer Elliott. In his impassioned verse we see reflected the extraordinary beauty of the valley of the Don and the loveliness of its tributary streams. In many of his passages may also be recognised the effect on the poet of the “mountain charm” of those lofty hills which hem in the town of steel on all sides, except on the east, from which it is usually approached.
Poets are not usually considered very trustworthy guides in matters of topography. They often mystify their readers, and mar the accuracy of their descriptions for the sake of adopting an enticing metaphor. Yet in Elliott’s “Village Patriarch” is one passage that may well serve as a basis from which to form a Page:010 Once a week Volume X Dec 1863 to Jun 64.pdf/676 Page:010 Once a week Volume X Dec 1863 to Jun 64.pdf/677 Page:010 Once a week Volume X Dec 1863 to Jun 64.pdf/678 Page:010 Once a week Volume X Dec 1863 to Jun 64.pdf/679
- ↑ Miss Seward, daughter of the rector of Eyam, Derbyshire, 1747-1819.