Norfolk Heritage Park, Sheffield

Norfolk Heritage Park is a historic 28-hectare (69-acre) public park located south of Sheffield City Centre. The park is situated within the Norfolk Park residential suburb and is part of the former deer park associated with Sheffield Manor. The land was donated to the city of Sheffield by the Duke of Norfolk in the Victorian era, and the park became a popular destination during Queen Victoria's reign.

Norfolk Heritage Park opened to the public in 1848, making it one of the first parks in Britain to be freely accessible to the general public. The park's development began in 1841 under the direction of the 12th Duke of Norfolk, who owned the land. The park quickly became a favored location for leisure activities such as walking, playing sports, and taking carriage rides. Notably, the park also hosted Norfolk F.C., a football club that played its home games there from 1861 to 1880.

One of the most memorable events in the park's history occurred on 21 May 1897, when Queen Victoria visited during her Jubilee year. On this occasion, over 50,000 schoolchildren sang patriotic songs and hymns for the Queen, and a crowd of approximately 200,000 people, representing over two-thirds of Sheffield's population at the time, gathered to see her in the park.

Over time, the park fell into neglect, particularly during the late 20th century. However, a significant renovation effort in the late 20th century revitalized the park. In 1994, Norfolk Heritage Park was added to the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens (Grade II), and the Friends of Norfolk Park group was established to support its preservation.

Today, Norfolk Heritage Park is not only a place of historical significance but also a vibrant community space. Since 2002, the park has hosted the annual Sheffield Fayre during the late Summer Bank Holiday. This event, which draws over 25,000 attendees, is the largest free event in South Yorkshire. The Fayre features the Sheffield Horticultural Show and the largest multi-period Living History Camp and Battle Re-enactment in Northern England, with over 600 re-enactors bringing history to life through battles, displays, music, and activities.