From the Tudors to notorious gangsters, a local ex-police sergeant has devised a tour that highlights Sheffield’s chilling history.
Kevin McKeown, 66, has lived in Sheffield his whole life and was active in the Police force for over 30 years.
Last summer, Kevin decided to host a walking tour that covers the criminal history of the steel city known as The Law and Disorder, Murder and Mayhem Tour.
When asked why he began the tour, Kevin said: “When you get to my age, you’re still young enough, daft enough to still enjoy life. But physically the capability might be a bit reduced compared to what it used to be.
“You’ve still got to have an aim in life; I don’t want to sit in front of the TV all day.”
The tour starts at Castlegate, known as the city’s birthplace, and ends at the Peace Gardens.
Kevin leads walkers through cobblestoned streets and historic buildings which all mark moments of Sheffield’s past.
The tour includes the history of Samuel Holberry, the chartist leader, and describes the violent gang wars that smothered Sheffield’s streets in the 1920s.
Robert Haslam is the author of Walking South Yorkshire and organises Sheffield’s annual Walking Festival, he said: “Walking has exploded since lockdown when people had little choice but to exercise and explore from home, but not everyone is a map reader or a seasoned hiker.
“Walking clubs and tours, apart from the obvious fitness benefits, are a great way to meet new people and make new friends.”
Clara Estrems, from Guru Walk, a site that promotes free walking tours around the world, said: “Free tour does not mean free tour, it means free pay tour and this great advantage of being able to book for free and pay at the end has made the concept very popular.
“Free tours have put culture within reach of more pockets, it is a more popular and affordable option, which attracts many travellers, as well as being able to show very different perspectives, and also turn it into a leisure plan for locals in the city itself.”
Participants in the tour do not have to pay to book but can donate at the end with an amount of their choice.
The Law and Disorder, Murder and Mayhem Tour takes place most Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. You can book to join the tour on Eventbrite, GuruWalk or contact Kevin directly on Instagram @steel_city_walking.