Historic Barnsley
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Barnsley from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Barnsley's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Barnsley's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
East Gawber Hall colliery fanhouse, 800m north east of Cr…
Barnsley
Coal has been mined in England since Roman times, and between 8,000 and 10,000 coal industry sites of all dates up to the collieries of post-war nationalisation are estimated to survive in...
Queen Anne's Obelisk, Off Rockley Lane, Wentworth Castle,…
Barnsley
Obelisk, dated 1734. Likely to be executed from a design by James Gibbs, constructed by the Bower family (Joseph Bower), estate masons for Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford.
Heavy Anti-aircraft gunsite 330m south east of Lowfield Farm
Barnsley
Although of comparatively recent date, 20th century military sites are increasingly seen as historic survivals representing a defining episode in the history of warfare and of the century in...
Wentworth Castle Gardens
Stainborough
Formal gardens which were laid out in the period around 1713-30 with mid C18 additions surrounded by parkland of early and mid C18 date. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Memorial to Huskar Pit Disaster
Silkstone
Memorial, erected in 1841. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Water powered bloomery, iron forge and rolling mill at Lo…
Hunshelf
Iron has been produced in England from at least 500 BC.
Obelisk to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (Sun Monument)
Stainborough
Obelisk dedicated to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. 1730s to 1740s, probably erected by William Wentworth, Second Earl of Strafford. Restored in 2008. Sandstone ashlar.
Barnsley Main Colliery engine house and pithead structures
Barnsley
Disused colliery winding engine house and pit head structures of circa 1900 origin, but modernised 1956.
Anglo-Saxon period cross in churchyard of All Saints
Cawthorne
High crosses, frequently heavily decorated, were erected in a variety of locations in the eighth, ninth and tenth centuries AD.
Penistone War Memorial
Penistone
First World War Memorial, about 1924, designed by John Alfred Gotch of Kettering. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Queens Court Business Centre and attached railings to front
Barnsley
Former hotel, attached shop and house (Eldon Street) built in late the 1860s for James Fox to designs by Wade and Turner.
41-43 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Barnsley
Hall and cross wing house. Later C15, with hall timbers dated by dendrochronology to between AD 1455 and AD 1479, and the cross wing built in or shortly after the winter/spring of AD 1463-4.
Bolton-Upon-Dearne War Memorial
Bolton upon Dearne
First World War Memorial. 1925 to a design by architect George Pennington incorporating inscribed panels by sculptors Tyas and Guest of Swinton. Sandstone, red brick, red tiles.
The former Elsecar New Colliery, including the Elsecar Ne…
Hoyland
Colliery opened in 1795 for the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam including an atmospheric pumping engine that survives within its original engine house, thought to be the only C18 steam engine in the...
The Civic Hall, including 44a, 46, 48, 52, 54 and 56 Eldo…
Barnsley
Civic hall, now arts venue, theatre and gallery.
Barnsley War Memorial
Barnsley
First World War memorial, 1925, with minor post-Second World War amendment. Sculptor John Tweed, architect William Thomas Curtis. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Wortley Top Forge
Hunshelf
Wortley Top Forge is a complex of great importance and demonstrates continuity in the production of iron from at least the early 18th century.
Buildings 20a and 21, former rolling mill at Elsecar Iron…
Hoyland
A production building of Elsecar Ironworks, 1850, where heated wrought iron was rolled to form plates, rails and bars. In 2020 in use as a large event hall.
Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Rood
Barnsley
Roman Catholic church. 1903 to 1905 to designs by Edward Simpson of Bradford assisted by his son Charles. Late Victorian Gothic style. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Drinking Fountain adjacent to Number 10 and opposite Numb…
Cawthorne
Drinking fountain, 1866 to a design by George Shaw for Miss Frances and Miss Maria Stanhope of Cannon Hall. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Monk Bretton Priory Cluniac and Benedictine monastery: mo…
Barnsley
From the time of St Augustine's mission to re-establish Christianity in AD 597 to the reign of Henry VIII, monasticism formed an important facet of both religious and secular life in the...
Cross in the churchyard of All Saints' Church, Darfield
Darfield
A standing cross is a free standing upright structure, usually of stone, mostly erected during the medieval period (mid 10th to mid 16th centuries AD).
Wayside cross known as the Cundy Cross
Wortley
Wayside crosses are one of several types of Christian cross erected during the medieval period, mostly from the 9th to 15th centuries AD.
Wayside cross at Howbrook crossroads
Wortley
Wayside crosses are one of several types of Christian cross erected during the medieval period, mostly from the 9th to 15th centuries AD.
Wayside cross south of Hartcliff Road
Penistone
Wayside crosses are one of several types of Christian cross erected during the medieval period, mostly from the 9th to 15th centuries AD.
Former Cornish pumping engine house at Hemingfield Colliery
Barnsley
Engine house for a Cornish pumping engine built in 1843 as part of a mid-C19 colliery pithead (a Scheduled Monument), converted for domestic use in 1934.
Buildings 8-12, former workshops, offices and warehousing…
Hoyland
Range forming one side of Elsecar Central Workshops, the complex built in the 1850s to serve Earl Fitzwilliam's collieries.
Buildings 4-7, stores at former Elsecar Central Workshops
Hoyland
Range of storage buildings forming one side of Elsecar Central Workshops, the complex built in the 1850s to serve Earl Fitzwilliam's collieries.
The former Elsecar Ironworks
Wentworth
Standing, earthwork and buried remains of an ironworks established in 1795, extensively redeveloped from 1850, closed by 1885. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Buildings 2 & 3 and boundary wall, former Elsecar Ironwor…
Hoyland
Building range incorporating the main entrance to Elsecar Ironworks, 1860s. In 2020 used as office and retail units. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Building 1, former Elsecar Ironworks casting shed
Hoyland
A production building of Elsecar Ironworks, 1860s, where molten iron was cast into moulds to produce cast iron items. In 2020 in use as a workshop for steam locomotives.
Hemingfield Colliery
Barnsley
Mid-C19 colliery pit head built for the fifth Earl Fitzwilliam under the supervision of the mining engineer Benjamin Biram. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Silkstone War Memorial, Martin Croft, Silkstone, South Yo…
Silkstone
War Memorial commemorating the First World War and Second World War, 1922. Designed by London architect L H Bucknell, sculpted by Mr Gelder of Silkstone Common.
Building 17, former fitting shop at Elsecar Central Works…
Hoyland
Architectural and functional centre-piece building of Elsecar Central Workshops, the complex built in the 1850s to serve Earl Fitzwilliam's collieries.
Statue of Joseph Locke and enclosure
Barnsley
Statue and enclosure, 1862 to 1866 by Baron Carlo Marochetti commissioned by the Institute of Civil Engineers. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Menagerie House, 1-3 Park Drive, Wentworth Castle, Stainb…
Stainborough
Banqueting house, now three cottages. c1717 perhaps executed to a design by James Gibbs, constructed by the Bower family, estate masons, for Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford.
Housing at the former Elsecar Ironworks, 2 and 4 Forge Lane
Hoyland
A semi-detached pair of workers' houses built in the 1850s for Elsecar Ironworks, probably for managers or supervisors. In domestic use in 2020.
Historic Barnsley through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Barnsley
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Barnsley
The Town Centre, Barnsley, 1928
Barnsley
The town centre, Barnsley, 1949
Crow Edge
Hazlehead Colliery, Sledbrook Colliery and the Hepworth Iron Co Works, Crow Edge, 1926
Crow Edge
The Hepworth Iron Works (manufacturer of clay products) and environs, Crow Edge, 1948
Upper Hoyland
The Hoyland Brick Co Ltd Brickworks, Upper Hoyland, 1953
Upper Hoyland
The Hoyland Brick Co Ltd Brickworks, Upper Hoyland, 1953
Worsbrough
Hound Hill, Worsbrough, 1952
Worsbrough
Hound Hill, Worsbrough, 1952
Barnsley
The town centre, Barnsley, 1938
Barnsley
Wilson & Longbottom Ltd Nelson Foundry and environs, Barnsley, 1947
Historic England Archive images of Barnsley
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Barnsley's past.
John Gay Collection: Counties
Barnsley
Date created: 1962 - 1966
A cast iron gas lamp standard in the graveyard of St John's Church, Penistone
John Laing Collection
Bolton Upon Dearne, Barnsley
Date created: 22 Apr 1953
A view of scrapers working on the restoration of the Lowfields Lane Opencast Coal Site
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Barnsley
Date created: 1904 - 1909
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS THE TOWER
John Gay Collection: Counties
Barnsley
Date created: 1962 - 1966
A chest tomb and railings in St Johns churchyard, Penistone
John Laing Collection
Bolton Upon Dearne, Barnsley
Date created: 22 Apr 1953
A view of scrapers at work during the restoration of the Lowfields Lane Opencast Coal Site
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Barnsley
Date created: 1910 - 1919
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING THE FOUNTAIN
John Gay Collection: Counties
Barnsley
Date created: 1962 - 1966
Looking through the wrought iron gateway into St John's churchyard
John Laing Collection
Bolton Upon Dearne, Barnsley
Date created: 22 Apr 1953
A view across Lowfields Lane Opencast Coal Site during restoration of the site
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Barnsley
Date created: 1910 - 1914
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING ENTRANCE GATES
John Gay Collection: Counties
Barnsley
Date created: 1962 - 1966
A chest tomb and railings in St Johns churchyard, Penistone
John Laing Collection
Bolton Upon Dearne, Barnsley
Date created: 22 Apr 1953
A bulldozer transporting equipment at Lowfields Lane Opencast Coal Site during restoration of the site
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Barnsley
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW
Stories about heritage in Barnsley
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Barnsley.
10 Places with Coal Mining History
Mentions The former Elsecar New Colliery,, Reform Row
Evidence of England’s coal mining heritage can still be found nationwide.
6 Places That Tell the Story of Operation Hurricane
Mentions Barnsley
Not long after the end of the Second World War, a small and secretive cabinet committee took the decision that Britain should develop an atomic bomb.
Elsecar’s Historic Past in 10 Images
Mentions Barnsley
Discover the story of this famous industrial village in South Yorkshire.
8 ways Yorkshire has changed the world
Mentions Barnsley
In the 19th and 20th centuries many of the biggest social and political changes originated or gained unstoppable momentum in Yorkshire.
Historic Garden Wall in South Yorkshire to be Saved
Mentions Barnsley
A £55,000 grant from Historic England will save an 18th century garden wall at Cannon Hall in Barnsley from imminent collapse.
Monument to Smallpox Pioneer Awarded Upgraded Listing Status
Mentions Obelisk to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (Sun Monument), Barnsley
A monument in South Yorkshire celebrating medical pioneer Lady Mary Wortley Montagu has been upgraded to Grade II* by DCMS
Heritage at Risk in Yorkshire Revealed
Mentions Cannon Hall, Barnsley
13 sites have been saved and 7 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023 in the East of England.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Worsbrough Ridge Mill, Worsbrough, South Yorkshire
Period: Stuart (1603 - 1713)
The former corn mill dates back to the early 17th century. With the additions made to the mill in 1843, when the mill became steam powered.
Worsbrough Ridge Mill, Worsbrough, South Yorkshire
Workers housing, Reform Row, Wath Road, Elsecar, South Yorkshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Employers often needed to supply their workforce with accommodation, the quality of which varied greatly.
Workers housing, Reform Row, Wath Road, Elsecar, South Yorkshire
Water Mill, Gunthwaite, South Yorkshire
Period: Stuart (1603 - 1713)
The former water mill dates back to the l7th century.
Water Mill, Gunthwaite, South Yorkshire
Town Hall, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Period: 1930s (1930 - 1938)
This town hall was built in 1933 by Briggs and Thornely of Liverpool. It is built in a Classical style of architecture.
Town Hall, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
The Golden Cross, Cawthorne, South Yorkshire
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
This was originally a timber framed house. Timbers from the hall have been dated, using dendrochronology, to 1537-9.
The Golden Cross, Cawthorne, South Yorkshire
Taylor's Mill, Peel Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Built in about 1845, this was the first large-scale power loom mill in Barnsley.
Taylor's Mill, Peel Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Tankersley Mine Rescue Station, Sheffield Road, Tankersley, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
The rescue station was built in 1902. It was the first Coal Mines Rescue Station to be built in England.
Tankersley Mine Rescue Station, Sheffield Road, Tankersley, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Swaithe Hall Farmhouse, Rosebower Cottage and Swaithe Hall, Worsborough, South Yorkshire
Period: Stuart (1603 - 1713)
Swaithe Hall Farmhouse and Rosebower Cottage each date back to the 17th century. The site was originally the residence of the Micklethwaite family.
Swaithe Hall Farmhouse, Rosebower Cottage and Swaithe Hall, Worsborough, South Yorkshire
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Elsecar Colliery Newcomen Engine, Barnsley
Built in 1795, this facility extracted water from Elsecar New Colliery, enabling the exploration of deeper coal seams.
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
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