Boer Wars research guide

There are a number of sources within Sheffield Libraries and Archives for studying Sheffield’s involvement in the Transvaal War of 1880-1881 and the South African War of 1899-1902 (collectively known as the Boer Wars).

Sheffield men fought in the 1st Battalion of the York and Lancasters, which was involved in the assault on Spionkop and the relief of the town of Ladysmith. Many also served in the Imperial Yeomanry. Volunteers served in the 1st Volunteer Battalion of the York and Lancasters.

The war was followed with great interest back in Britain, mainly through newspaper reports. Boer War battles such as that at Spionkop are remembered in football stadiums which took the names for parts of their stadium. Ladysmith Avenue and Mafeking Place commemorate the famous sieges of those towns.

401 Sheffield volunteers died in the war (in total approximately 20,000 British and Colonial troops died). Their names are listed on the memorial in the entrance to the Town Hall. Regular soldiers are commemorated on a memorial in Weston Park.

Contact us on archives@sheffield.gov.uk to find out more, book in advance or order archival materials.