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Handsworth
Handsworth is a Sheffield suburb that has a relatively low population of just 15,000 people given it occupies over five square miles of the city itself. It is situated in the S13 postcode district. Handsworth itself is a bustling and busy suburban area that contains a number of schools and churches and boasts a community parish feel making it a much sought after destination in which to live. Many older residents have lived in Handsworth all of their lives and they are quite rightly very proud of their heritage and often refer to the area as "the village", emphasising the tightly knit community in Handsworth. The suburb is a part of the Woodhouse ward in the Attercliffe parliamentary constituency. A large amount of commercial interest is present in Handsworth, and the 21st century has seen increased investment in the area that has brought more trade, and there are now a large number of commercial and light industrial companies operating in the area.
St Mary's Parish Centre works hard to keep a documented history of Handsworth and there are a variety of displays for members of the public to view including a number of old photographs, maps and historical documents relating to the area. There are also a number of rare artefacts that relate directly to Handsworth kept at the Parish Centre and these help date the settlement; it is understood that although a small settlement has always been in existence at the site it was not until the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066 that Handsworth became a thriving settlement. Norman rule proved to be exceptionally popular with local residents and Handsworth grew at a very rapid rate and it eventually encompassed the surrounding villages of Darnall, Gleadless, Richmond and Woodhouse. Like many settlements around Sheffield Handsworth also gets a mention in the Domesday Book; it is described as being under the rule of Robert, Count of Mortain after 1066.
It passed to a number of different families through marriage and each family helped construct various parts of the village when they took over ownership. In modern times one thing Handsworth is very famous for is its traditional sword dancing, an ancient practise the origins of which have been lost throughout the ages, however it is believed that it originates from pre Christian pagan activities. The dance is led by eight men who each hold a long steel sword, military dress is worn and traditional music is played. In recorded history the sword dancers would take their show on the road and leave Handsworth to tour surrounding villages to raise money. The practice continued throughout the 20th century and recent years have seen a revived interest in preserving ancient traditions and practices such as the Handsword sword dance.
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