Sheffield Genealogy Family & Social History

Some centuries after the hamlet by the Sheaf was founded, the first written record of its name was entered in the Domesday Book. At that time the manor was still held by an English lord, but early in the twelfth century it came into the possession of William de Lovetot, a Norman. He built Sheffield Castle at the junction of the Rivers Sheaf and Don, and founded the Parish Church on the hill above it. His lands passed by marriage to the Lords Furnival, and in 1297 Thomas de Furnival granted a charter to his free tenants which created the Burgery of Sheffield and gave a measure of self-government to the townspeople.......... continued