Henry Fitzalan Howard,
Duke of Norfolk

(1847-1917)

The Dukes of Norfolk were great landowners with vast family estates, including Sheffield and the surrounding area. The fifteenth duke, Henry Fitzalan Howard, became Lord of the Manor of Sheffield (succeeding the Earls of Shrewsbury), Alderman, Mayor (1895), Lord Mayor (1896) and one of the first honorary Freemen of the City (1900).

Despite being the Premier Duke, Earl Marshal and Chief Butler of England, the Duke was an active patron in Sheffield. He donated funds for the building of Sheffield University and became its first Chancellor. And it is said that when Queen Victoria visited Sheffield in 1897, the Duke spent around £10,000 on hospitality!

 
The Duke received around 160 acres of land from the city, including Norfolk Park and Wincobank Wood, worth around £150,000. As a devout Roman Catholic, he was also an active religious benefactor.