War broke out in the Crimea following the refusal of Russia to withdraw from the Crimea peninsula in the Black Sea. Worried about Russian expansion, both Britain and France declared war in March 1854 with the aim of pushing back Russian forces.
The war was followed with keen interest here in Sheffield, as in other towns and cities up and down the country, and Sheffield provided troops and armaments. Peace was celebrated with a huge ‘illumination’ and festivities in the town centre. We also received war trophies from the Government to display in the town. Street and pub names, such as Balaclava Street and the Alma Tavern, commemorate Crimean battles.
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