Yorkshire’s most famous industries
by Northern Life
Yorkshire is a vast, beautiful place home to undeniably proud people. Over the centuries, its rich industrial heritage has significantly shaped the landscape, economy, and culture we see today.
Below, we explore the industries that have shaped Yorkshire and its people, from the iconic woollen mills of Bradford and Leeds to the flourishing steel factories of Sheffield.
Textiles
The textile industry is perhaps the region’s most famous contribution to Britain’s industrial success. Areas in and around West Yorkshire became the heart of cotton and wool production during the Industrial Revolution.
Towns like Bradford and Leeds developed rapidly around the textile trade, producing high-quality fabrics that were exported worldwide. The industry boomed in the 18th and 19th centuries with the rise of mechanised spinning and weaving mills.
History comes to life today in places like Saltaire, where Titus Salt created a dedicated community for his mill workers. The paths of the Leeds Liverpool Canal are popular for walking, running and cycling, but this waterway was once vital to the textiles industry and its exports from Liverpool.
Mining
The closing of Kellingley Colliery in 2015 signalled the end of centuries of coal mining in Yorkshire. During that time, the industry was central to the region’s economy. South Yorkshire had one of the wealthiest coal beds in the UK, with collieries spread across towns such as Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham.
Mining employed thousands, and entire communities were built around the coal pits. The ‘black gold’ extracted was crucial for the local steel and energy industries and played a key role in fuelling Britain’s developing infrastructure network.
The decline of the coal industry happened over the 20th century, culminating in various miners’ strikes and the eventual closure of most pits. Despite its downfall, many towns and villages still remember and appreciate their mining heritage.
Steel and metalwork
Sheffield is globally recognised for its steel and metalwork, hence the nickname the “Steel City.” Its industrial history dates back hundreds of years, but the steel trade we recognise now didn’t develop until the 1740s. By the early 20th century, Sheffield had pioneered the production of crucible and stainless steel, revolutionising the industry. It became a global exporter, producing everything from railway tracks to fine cutlery and even delicate jewellery made from high-quality silver.
At its peak, the city’s foundries and workshops produced nearly half of Europe’s steel. While it’s more cost-effective to source elsewhere today, Sheffield remains a leader in advanced manufacturing and engineering due to its industrial heritage.
