Roe Wood is first recorded as part of Cockshutt Rowe in a document dating from around 1600 which listed the Earl of Shrewsbury's coppice woodlands. Cockshutt translates as 'glade where woodcock are netted' (Smith 1961,172). This reinforces the suggestion that Cockshutt Rowe formed part of the medieval Shirecliffe Deer Park. Woodland clearance split Cockshutt Rowe into two fragments, Great and Little Roe Woods. Great Roe Wood (now Roe Wood) is known to have been managed as coppice until the end of the 19th century when it was given to Sheffield City Council by the Duke of Norfolk. Legibility of the former character of a spring wood and deer park is significant as the area is still wooded.