South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire is a ceremonial county in England, located in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. It was a metropolitan county from 1974 to 1986. It shares borders with a number of neighboring counties, including North Yorkshire to the north, West Yorkshire to the west, East Riding of Yorkshire to the east, Lincolnshire to the southeast, Nottinghamshire to the south, and Derbyshire to the southwest. Covering an area of approximately 1,552 square kilometers 599 sq mi), the county is home to a variety of towns and cities, it comprises the four Metropolitan Boroughs of Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield. Sheffield is the largest, with a population of 512,000 in 2002. Contiguous with the Sheffield urban area is Rotherham to the east, while further east is Doncaster, and to the north, Barnsley.^[1]

The population of South Yorkshire is 1,392,105 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the Office for National Statistics. South Yorkshire's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 1.3% per year. South Yorkshire covers an area of 1,552 square kilometres (599 square miles) and has a population density of 897 people per square kilometre (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.^[2]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in South Yorkshire is predominantly white (88%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 12% of the population.^[2]

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South Yorkshire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsSouth Yorkshire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

The South Yorkshire landscape exhibits a diverse topography, characterized by rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and extensive areas of moorland.^[3] This varied terrain, punctuated by the physical remnants of its industrial past, provides a stark contrast between the region's natural beauty and its historical engagement with heavy industry.^[4] The dramatic cliffs and windswept moors stand in stark contrast to the lush green fields.^[5]

The South Yorkshire economy experienced significant deindustrialization from the mid-1980s onwards. This decline was primarily attributed to an over reliance on coal mining and steel production, sectors characterized by structural decline.^[6] The primary industries currently in South Yorkshire are advanced engineering and manufacturing, materials science, healthcare, clean energy technologies, and digital/creative sectors; with a strong emphasis on high-precision engineering, design, and manufacturing, largely built on its historical base of metals and materials production, including steel, glass, and plastics, making it a hub for innovative materials development and applications.^[7]

South Yorkshire has one complete national park and shares part of another. Yorkshire Dales National Park has a variety of attractions including museums, historic buildings, and caves. Peak District National Park is shared with Derbyshire county and preserves natural and historical beauty of the land. The Sheffield Botanical Gardens are a 19-acre park in Sheffield, England that features over 18 gardens, a variety of notable structures, and a collection of over 5,500 plant species. The Sheffield Winter Garden is one of the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the UK during the last hundred years has created a stunning green world in the heart of the city. Graves Park is Sheffield's biggest park.

South Yorkshire historySouth Yorkshire history

The Rudston Monolith, almost 26ft high, close to Rudston Parish Church of all Saints.

About 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, the first humans entered Yorkshire, in the wake of the shrinking ice cap which had previously covered northern England.^[8] At that time the appearance of the land differed greatly from that which we see today. Evidence suggests prehistoric people inhabited the region, leaving behind traces of their existence in the form of Mesolithic "houses" (stone circles) and Paleolithic cave art. This early presence points to a long and continuous human connection to this land.^[9]

The Roman occupation of South Yorkshire began around 71 A.D, when the Romans invaded Eastern Yorkshire and built forts. The Romans' arrival in the area was part of their conquest of England, which began in 43 A,D.^[10] While not as heavily fortified as other areas, Roman influence is evident in archaeological finds and the establishment of roads. The region lay on the fringes of the Roman Empire, impacting its development and cultural exchange.

Following the decline of Roman power, Anglo-Saxon tribes migrated to Britain, including the region of South Yorkshire. These Germanic peoples brought their own language, customs, and social structures, laying the foundation for much of the region's future identity.^[11]

The medieval period subsequent to the Norman conquest in 1066 saw the rise of powerful Norman lords and the establishment of feudal systems. Castles were built, and towns began to emerge, including Sheffield, known for its early ironworking. This era witnessed significant social and economic changes, shaping the landscape and communities of South Yorkshire.^[12]

The 16th century brought the Reformation, impacting religious life in the region.^[13] Economic activity continued to grow, with the wool trade playing a significant role.^[14] This period saw social and religious shifts that would have lasting consequences for the region.^[15]

The 17th century was a time of political and social upheaval. One of the crucial battles of the English Civil Wars, which (among many factors) arose when Charles I decided not to convene Parliament and instead imposed “personal rule”, was fought in Yorkshire in 1644. In the Battle of Marston Moor, the Parliamentarians (supporters of Parliament) defeated the Royalists (supporters of Charles I), leading to the Royalist retreat from Northern England.

The civil wars ended with Parliamentarian victory and the trial and execution of Charles I in 1651. This was followed by peace and the migration of people from the countryside to the towns. South Yorkshire experienced rapid growth in its industries, including coal mining, iron and steel production, and cutlery manufacturing.^[16]

The 18th century witnessed the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. South Yorkshire, with its rich coal and iron ore deposits, became a major center of industrial activity. Towns like Sheffield experienced rapid growth, becoming renowned for steel production and cutlery manufacturing. This era transformed the region's social and economic landscape.^[10]

The 19th century saw the peak of the Industrial Revolution in South Yorkshire. The region's industries flourished, attracting large numbers of people seeking employment. This period also witnessed significant social and political changes, including the rise of trade unions and the fight for workers' rights.^[17]

The 20th century brought both triumphs and challenges. World Wars I and II had a profound impact on the region, with many residents serving in the armed forces and contributing to the war effort. The latter half of the century saw the decline of traditional industries like coal mining and steel production. However, the region has diversified its economy, focusing on areas like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and education.^[18]

South Yorkshire parishes and unparished areasSouth Yorkshire parishes and unparished areas

There are 9 civil parishes in South Yorkshire^[19] and 11 urban unparished areas.^[20] The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) formerly the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (formally the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority) is the combined authority for South Yorkshire in England, with powers over transport (public transport and major trunk roads only), economic development and regeneration.^[21]

South Yorkshire geographySouth Yorkshire geography

South Yorkshire's physical geography is diverse. In the west the high Pennine Hills, composed of limestone and millstone grit, descend to the valleys of the River Don and the River Dearne, which flow into a lowland around Doncaster in the east. The Pennine Hills also contain a portion of the Peak District National Park within its borders.^[22] In the east, the land transitions to flatter, more agricultural land, with fertile plains and river valleys.^[22]

Researching family history in South YorkshireResearching family history in South Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Archaeological & Historical Society was organized in 1863 for the purpose of the examination, preservation and illustration of the History, Architecture, Antiquities, Manners, Customs, Arts and Traditions of the county of York. It's website contains an extensive list of family history organizations.^[23] The Yorkshire Archaeological & Historical Society also has a dedicated family history website in its Family History Section. There are further resources in the Sheffield City Council website. The Seffield and District Family History Society also has additional resources.

Ethnicities in South YorkshireEthnicities in South Yorkshire

The demographic distribution of the South Yorkshire population is as follows:^[2] According to the latest 2021 census, the population in South Yorkshire is predominantly white (87.7%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 12.3% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in South Yorkshire accounting for 5.8% of the population. 33,985 or 2% of the South Yorkshire population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black. Population by race in South Yorkshire, 2021 census

White - 1,206,059 people or 87.7%
Asian - 79,119 people or 5.8%
Black - 33,985 people or 2.5%
Mixed - 30,454 people or 2.2%
Other - 25,388 people or 1.8%

Surnames in South YorkshireSurnames in South Yorkshire

The demographic distribution of South Yorkshire surnames is as follows:^[24]

Smith	17,394	1:78
Taylor	9,392	1:145
Jones	8,175	1:167
Brown	6,786	1:201
Wilson	6,740	1:203
Walker	6,184	1:221
Johnson	5,824	1:234
Green	5,704	1:239
Robinson	5,546	1:246
Wright	5,494	1:248

Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

References

[1] Eurostat

[:0-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 South Yorkshire Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing

[3] National Character Area Profiles

[4] Walks In South Yorkshire

[5] Yorkshire's Top 10 Natural Highlights - Welcome to Yorkshire

[6] The Manufacturing Renaissance: Spotlight on South Yorkshire

[7] Employment sectors: South Yorkshire Labour Market Information

[8] Prehistoric Yorkshire | The Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society

[9] Prehistoric Yorkshire – Wilcuma

[:2-10] 10.0 ^10.1 A History of Yorkshire

[11] Early Medieval

[12] Yorkshire In The Middle Ages | The Yorkshire Archaeological and Historical Society

[13] The Reformation in Yorkshire – Wilcuma

[14] Yorkshire Wool Trade

[15] Yorkshire | History, Population, Map, & Facts | Britannica

[16] The South Yorkshire Steel Industry and the Industrial Revolution

[17] South Yorkshire Historic Environment Research Framework

[18] A History of Yorkshire

[19] Civil parishes in South Yorkshire - FamousFix.com list

[20] List of Unparished areas in South Yorkshire - FamousFix List

[21] South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

[:1-22] 22.0 ^22.1 South Yorkshire | England, Map, & Facts | Britannica

[23] The Yorkshire Archaeological & Historical Society

[24] Most Common Surnames in South Yorkshire, With Meanings

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