Category: Archives

‘The Lancasters, a Barnsley Dynasty’: Thursday 23 January

James Steverson, Barnsley Archives’ Project Archivist, gave an illustrated talk ‘Lancaster and Sons: A Barnsley Dynasty‘, was given by James Stevenson. Full of interesting information, it was much appreciated by those who attended.

This is the fascinating story of one of Barnsley’s most interesting and influential families, the Lancasters, who rose to become prominent auctioneers, valuers and estate agents for more than four generations.

This talk was first hosted by the Friends of Barnsley Archives in September but was rerun as an evening event due to popular demand. Ans some people came to hear it a second time!

Held in association with Barnsley Archives and Local Studies, here’s an image taken by Paul Stebbing of the event.

The Rise and Fall of the Linen Industry in Barnsley’, the 2024 Bramah Lecture, given by Bill Gaunt.

Linen Weavers Cottages

Linen industry weavers’ cottages. Thanks to the Tasker Trust for the image.

In the period either side of 1800, Barnsley was the leading linen producer in England. This is the fascinating story of the linen industry in Barnsley and will cover the physical and cultural heritage of that bygone prosperity.

The 2024 Bramah Lecture is on Monday 8th April in the Learning Lab at Barnsley Town Hall, starting at 6.30pm. Use Barnsley Town Hall’s ‘Experience Barnsley’ entrance from Barnsley Pals Centenary Square. All welcome.

On this occasion there is a limit on numbers able to get in the room, so it’s essential to let us know if you intend to come. We can’t let people in beyond the capacity of the room!
Email allenparks22@hotmail.com to reserve a place.

The Bramah Lecture is an annual lecture commemorating the inventor, Joseph Bramah; it has taken place in Barnsley since 1999, sponsored by Barnsley Council. Barnsley Archives and Local Studies, Barnsley Civic Trust and South Yorkshire Industrial History Society are jointly organising this year’s lecture.

What was in the News about Barnsley in the 1800s?

A talk on ‘What was in the News about Barnsley in the 1800s’ by Josh Daniels. To be held in Barnsley Town Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday 21 March. Hear all about it!  Click on this post to tell us if you intend to attend.

Barnsley was flourishing in the 1800s —and the media knew the country had to be told of what was going on in this industrial powerhouse. This talk will go over some of the daily goings on and the major events that the press picked up on, ranging from tragedies, to successes, to places that are vastly different to where we know and love today.

Joshua Daniels is a historian, filmmaker, and heritage tour guide. Barnsley Civic Trust talks are held in partnership with Barnsley Archives and Local Studies Service and are open to all to attend. Tell us if you intend to come. 

Mining under Barnsley: NLS maps

One of the sources for Paul Darlow’s talk on Mining under Barnsley was the treasure trove of historic maps on the National Library of Scotland’s website, enlaced of course by Paul’s local knowledge and research.

Award-winning Barnsley Archives

Barnsley Archives has been named the ‘Record Keeping Service of The Year’ at the Archives & Records Association national conference on 1 September 2022. It is well deserved!

Barnsley Civic Trust had a timely illustrated presentation by Paul Stebbing, Archives and Local Studies Manager, at our meeting on Thursday 13th October.

We found out about the award-winning Barnsley Archives, what they have achieved over the years, and about their exciting plans for the future.

The Archive Service has launched a new 360° interactive tour which allows you to virtually walk around their Barnsley Town Hall search room: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=ju4s96wzNT5