Last week, Barnsley Museums celebrated our town’s heritage as part of a ‘national festival of culture’ – this was an excellent initiative and a reminder of the incredible assets we have on our doorstep.
While the festival may be over, our storied history and the sites that remind us of it are open all year round!
I have always been proud of our town’s rich history, which stretches back hundreds of years. Our heritage sites are not just landmarks; they are storytellers.
Our town’s story began with a mention in the Domesday Book in 1086, where it was recorded as ‘Berneslai’ and having a population of 200. The origins of that name remain a mystery, with some suggesting it means ‘a barn in a field’, while others believe it refers to ‘the bear’s den’, reflecting the once dense forests that surrounded the town.
One of the most prominent examples of our medieval past is Monk Bretton Priory, founded in 1154. This once-thriving religious community became a casualty of the Reformation, with its monks forced out during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s.
Today, the remains of the priory stand as a poignant reminder of that turbulent period in our history. Though looted and plundered after its closure, the priory still boasts stunning features, such as its imposing gatehouse – offering a glimpse into Barnsley’s religious history.
Moving forward in time, we arrive at Grimethorpe Hall, a manor house built around 1670. While it has faced challenges in recent years, including concerns over its structural integrity, campaigners have worked tirelessly to save this grade II listed building. It serves as a reminder of Barnsley’s architectural heritage and the importance of preserving our historical treasures.
Our industrial past is perhaps best represented at Elsecar, where Barnsley’s contribution to the Industrial Revolution is on full display. The centre showcases the Victorian engineering workshops, ironworks, and collieries that helped make Britain the workshop of the world. Nearby, at the Elsecar New Colliery is the world’s oldest steam engine – a testament to our borough’s pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution.
Barnsley’s cultural history is also evident in buildings. Take Barnsley Civic, originally constructed in 1877 as the Barnsley Mechanics Institute and Public Hall.
This building was designed to provide cultural opportunities to working class folk and later became a hub for the entire community. I was at the grand re-opening of the Eldon Street entrance last week and saw the architectural excellence of the Civic and the incredible work that has gone into restoring it to its former glory.
No reflection on Barnsley’s heritage would be complete without mentioning the Barnsley Pals. The brave men who enlisted to fight in World War I made tremendous sacrifices, and their legacy is preserved at various sites across our Town, ensuring that their selfless sacrifice is never forgotten.
Of course, there are a number of incredible buildings and landmarks that I haven’t yet mentioned, like the incredible Wortley Hall, Cannon Hall, and Wentworth Castle Gardens. Including them all would make this column pages long and I’m not sure the team at the Barnsley Chronicle would be best pleased!
Barnsley’s heritage sites offer us a tangible link to our past. They remind us of our town’s complex and fascinating history and stand as proud symbols of the community we have today.
They’re open all year round and it is our duty to preserve each of these sites for future generations, so they can understand and appreciate the remarkable history that Barnsley has.
