Harry Brearley from Burngreave

Enquiries to 07792 605138

From urchin to metallurgist

Harry grew up in the Victorian back-to-back slums of the Spital area north of Sheffield centre. His lessons came from exploring the streets, workshops and fields along his slow dawdle to school. His father and brothers were crucible steel-melters at Thos. Firth & Sons in Sheffield’s east end. Young Harry got used to the heat and noise inside these giant steel works when he took their lunch boxes.

Fame and reluctant Fortune

Later in life he was given various honours. The Bessemer Medal for outstanding innovation in steel. And in 1939 Freedom of the City of Sheffield. He also found himself with wealth he felt he did not need. As a lifelong socialist, what should he do?