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Barnsley,
lies on the River Dearne, 20 km north of Sheffield. Covering
127 square miles, Barnsley is one of the largest metropolitan
areas in England.
Originally
a prosperous market town, Barnsley developed in the 17th century
to become an important coal mining centre at the heart of
the South Yorkshire coalfield. However, most of the collieries
were located in the surrounding villages rather than in Barnsley
itself.
The town
is noted for its brass bands, long associated with local coal
mines. The most famous, the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, was
featured in the celebrated film 'Brassed Off'. Wire,
Linen and glass making were other major industries in Barnsley.
Today
coal mining has stopped and only glass making remains of its
old industries. Regeneration is underway, including the rebuilding
of the town centre, and Barnsley is now working towards a
service economy.
The town's
Locke Park was given to Barnsley in memory of Joseph Locke,
the celebrated Victorian engineer, who lived here.
For visitors
Barnsley offers industrial heritage attractions and stunning
rural landscapes. South and west of Barnsley the beautiful
Pennine landscape is dotted with picturesque villages and
there are a number of popular attractions here.
The Elsecar
Steam Railway, which formerly carried coal, now operates steam
and diesal locomotives from Rockingham Station at Elsecar
to the Hemingfield Basin (on the historic Dearne and Dove
Canal). Wentworth
Castle Gardens nearby holds the National Plant Collections
of rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias and has 40 acres
of pleasure gardens.
Cannon
Hall, dating from 1760, is now a facinating museum
set in 70 acres of parkland. The smalll Victorian Jubilee
Museum, at Cawthorne, has a intriguing collection of 19th
century memorabilia.
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Barnsley
