City Guides
Barnsley
History
A Royal Charter was granted to Barnsley in 1249, allowing a weekly market and annual fair in the town. The markets flourished and still exist today, radically refurbished to provide a modern and bright shopping experience.
Over the next five and six hundred years, Barnsley became an important centre of manufacturing as its linen weaving and glass-making industries expanded, providing employment for many and bringing wealth and visitors to the town. A train station was built in the town in 1850.
But like many other northern towns and cities, Barnsley’s original and principle industry was coal mining. With the collapse of the mining industry in the 80s, Barnsley – like many other ex-mining areas – has begun to rebrand itself as a sporting and leisure town, making it an area worth visiting for a weekend break.
With its long, documented history, Barnsley is home to a number of historical buildings and sites, including the pinnacle tower of St Mary’s church in the town centre and the Monk Bretton Priory, which both date back to the twelfth century. The former is Grade II listed and still retains many of its original interior features. The Priory is in wooded countryside on the outskirts of the town, and currently under the protection of English Heritage. Admission is free.
The core of Cannon Hall museum was built in the eighteenth century as a family home, but the property was opened to the public as a museum in 1957. The museum houses a large collection of decorative and applied art, fine art, social history, toys and hobbies, weapons and war memorabilia. Tours of the Victorian kitchen and servants quarters attempt to explore the lives of servants, and there are interactive elements to the exhibitions for children and younger visitors to enjoy. The museum has a tearoom and gift shop.
The Elsecar Heritage Centre is a history and craft centre, within a former ironworks and colliery workshop, and housing a steam railway, antiques centre, craft shops, the Newcomen Beam Engine, and much more. There is also a children’s activity centre and a programme of events throughout the school holidays. Admission is free.
Over the next five and six hundred years, Barnsley became an important centre of manufacturing as its linen weaving and glass-making industries expanded, providing employment for many and bringing wealth and visitors to the town. A train station was built in the town in 1850.
But like many other northern towns and cities, Barnsley’s original and principle industry was coal mining. With the collapse of the mining industry in the 80s, Barnsley – like many other ex-mining areas – has begun to rebrand itself as a sporting and leisure town, making it an area worth visiting for a weekend break.
With its long, documented history, Barnsley is home to a number of historical buildings and sites, including the pinnacle tower of St Mary’s church in the town centre and the Monk Bretton Priory, which both date back to the twelfth century. The former is Grade II listed and still retains many of its original interior features. The Priory is in wooded countryside on the outskirts of the town, and currently under the protection of English Heritage. Admission is free.
The core of Cannon Hall museum was built in the eighteenth century as a family home, but the property was opened to the public as a museum in 1957. The museum houses a large collection of decorative and applied art, fine art, social history, toys and hobbies, weapons and war memorabilia. Tours of the Victorian kitchen and servants quarters attempt to explore the lives of servants, and there are interactive elements to the exhibitions for children and younger visitors to enjoy. The museum has a tearoom and gift shop.
The Elsecar Heritage Centre is a history and craft centre, within a former ironworks and colliery workshop, and housing a steam railway, antiques centre, craft shops, the Newcomen Beam Engine, and much more. There is also a children’s activity centre and a programme of events throughout the school holidays. Admission is free.
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