The market town of Barnsley in South Yorkshire has a long, proud history rooted in its industrial past. First mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 (‘Berneslai’), it is home to the late twelfth-century Monk Bretton Priory, which was founded on the edge of the town and can still be seen today, as can the thirteenth-century St Helena’s Well nearby. Barnsley Grammar School was founded in the eighteenth century, and its buildings still stand, but the major growth in the town occurred during the Industrial Revolution, particularly through coal mining and glass production. The National Union of Mining Headquarters are situated on the edge of the town centre and Elsecar Heritage Centre includes the Newcomen beam engine. Barnsley’s civic pride is demonstrated in its imposing Town Hall, which opened in 1933, although the expenditure on it was criticised by George Orwell. Recent years have seen significant developments in Barnsley with much of the town centre being rebuilt, including the Glass Works shopping centre, the Library @ the Lightbox, creative arts hub and theatre the Civic, two new town centre colleges and the Digital Media Centre.Barnsley in 50 Buildings explores the history of this fascinating town through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. The book will appeal to all those who live in Barnsley or have an interest in the town.
