Barnsley in 50 Buildings

Barnsley, a market town in South Yorkshire, has a rich industrial past. It is home to the Monk Bretton Priory and St Helenas Well, and the National Union of Mining Headquarters. Recent developments include the rebuilding of the town center, including the Glass Works shopping center, the Library @ the Lightbox, creative arts hub, and theater the Civic, two new town center colleges, and the Digital Media Centre. Barnsley in 50 Buildings explores the town's history through a selection of its most interesting buildings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Barnsley, a market town in South Yorkshire, boasts a rich and illustrious history deeply intertwined with its industrial heritage. Its historical significance dates back to its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Berneslai.' The town is home to the late twelfth-century Monk Bretton Priory, which stands as a testament to its medieval past and can still be admired today, along with the nearby thirteenth-century St Helenas Well.

Barnsley Grammar School, established in the eighteenth century, has left its mark on the town, with its buildings still standing as a testament to its educational legacy. However, it was during the Industrial Revolution that Barnsley experienced significant growth, particularly in coal mining and glass production. The National Union of Mining Headquarters, located on the outskirts of the town center, and the Elsecar Heritage Centre, which houses the Newcomen beam engine, are emblematic of this era.

Barnsley's civic pride is evident in its impressive Town Hall, which was inaugurated in 1933. While it garnered criticism from George Orwell for its expenditure, it remains a symbol of the town's architectural grandeur. Over the years, Barnsley has undergone significant developments, with much of the town center undergoing reconstruction. This includes the revitalization of the Glass Works shopping center, the construction of the Library @ the Lightbox, a hub for creative arts and theater, the Civic, two new town center colleges, and the Digital Media Centre.

Barnsley in 50 Buildings is a captivating exploration of the town's history through a selection of its most intriguing buildings and structures. The book offers a glimpse into the changes that have shaped Barnsley over the centuries, appealing to both residents and enthusiasts of this fascinating town.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 164 x 234 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398100343