There was a time when this part of Mickley Lane was the main Sheffield London Turnpike. This was before 1850, long before the Shepley Spitfire was built. Infact the road then crossed Shepley's land on its torturous route towards Owler Bar.
The pub is a rare Hardy Hanson's development which opened in 1979. It was named in honour of Douglas Shepley who was killed during the Battle of Britain. His family raised money to purchase a replacement Spitfire, hence the name.
Richard Shepley still lives in the nearby hall.