William Walker, a resident of the settlement, is one of several people rumoured to have been the executioner of Charles I of England.

[4] In the later 19th century, the area was built up to house steelworkers working in the large foundries of the Lower Don Valley.

Darnall railway station was built on the Sheffield to Lincoln line to serve the suburb.

Demographic changes over the years have reduced the population with a consequent reduction in the number of school-age children in the district.

Darnall has a large immigrant community, including many Muslims (primarily of Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin).