In this paper we review the contributions that small tokamaks have made to physics research in general and to fusion physics in particular. It is argued that although most spectacular and newsworthy results are obtained from large tokamaks like JET, TFTR, JT‐60 etc., they are often based upon ideas and concepts that have originated in the community of small tokamaks. This latter group are therefore the ‘unsung heroes’ who form the true backbone of tokamak research.