The first historical reference to Barnsley occurs in 1086 in the Domesday Book, in which it is called 'Berneslai' with a total population of around 200. The exact origins of the name Barnsley is still subject to debate, but, Barnsley Council claims that its origins lie in the Saxon word Berne, for barn or storehouse, and Lay, for field. In 1249 a Royal Charter was granted to Barnsley permitting it to hold a weekly market and annual fair.
Left undisturbed by the Civil Wars of the 17th century Barnsley was allowed to develop into a prosperous market town and was profiting from its privileged position on the route between Leeds, Wakefield, Sheffield and London. The traffic generated as a result of this location fuelled trade with hostelries and related services also prospering. A principal centre for linen weaving during the 18th and 19th century Barnsley grew into an important manufacturing town. Barnsley also has a long tradition of glass making, but is most famous for its coalfields.
The town is briefly mentioned in The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell. Orwell spent a number of days in the town living in the houses of the working class miners while researching for the book. He wrote very critically of the council's expenditure on the construction of Barnsley Town Hall and claimed that the money should have been spent on improving the housing and living conditions of the local miners.
Industry
The town is famous for coal mining, although most of the pits were actually in the surrounding villages, rather than in the town itself. The proportion employed in mining varied hugely, even before recent times*. The "Barnsley Main" colliery was in the town, but was fairly small; it closed in 1991. All of the mines in the borough are now closed; Goldthorpe was the last to close in 1994. Wire, linen and glass making were also major industries but only glass making remains with two large companies still operating. Barnsley is twinned with Schwäbisch Gmünd in Germany, and Gorlovka in Ukraine. The coat of arms for the town includes a coal miner and a glass-blower. It is now moving towards a service economy.
More on [ Barnsley ]
500 Archives - Branch locations and hours.
Meta Description: [ Barnsley MBC Website, Barnsley MBC ]
Social Care - NHS site offering information relating to the Barnsley Primary Care Trust and Barnsley District General Hospital.
Barnsley Chamber of Commerce - Member listings, events, training courses, news and local business awards.
Meta Description: [ The Barnsley Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to looking after the interests of its members. ]
Barnsley Development Agency - A partnership of key organisations involved with the economic development and regeneration of the Barnsley area. Contains information about the aims of the project, press releases and contact details.
DearneFM - Local radio station. Offers programme schedules and information.
So you think you know Barnsley? - A picture quiz of this large borough for those who think they know it well.
Meta Description: [ A visual quiz for those familiar with Barnsley, England. ]
Newcastle United fans at Thornton Heath Railway Station (After the Crystal Palace game)