One of the first entries in Sketchley’s Sheffield Directory (1774) is John Diamond Beet, table knife maker, Petticoat Lane. His trade mark was ‘CIRCLE’ (word). The middle name ‘Diamond’ is intriguing; and so, too, is the name of the street. A little research reveals that Petticoat Lane was in the town centre, but was soon renamed Milk Street. However, no cutler named John Diamond Beet has been traced, though in 1787 John Beet, table knife manufacturer, was listed at Norfolk Street (using the ‘CIRCLE’ mark). John Beet’s later life is uncertain. Perhaps he died. In 1797, ‘Widow Beet’ was listed as a victualler at 85 Norfolk Street. John Beet may have been related to the family of Jonathan Beet & Sons, but it is difficult to say for sure.