NEEDLE MANUFACTURERS

IN

BARNSLEY

BARNSLEY  

by James Pigot  (1818)

Formerly called Bleak Barnsley, (and not Black Barnsley, as is generally represented) from its being situated on the side of a hill, and much exposed to the north and north-west wind, a town in the parish of Silkstone, and west riding of Yorkshire. It has a market on Wednesdays, and fairs, for the sale of horned cattle, horses, &c. on Wednesday before February 28th. May 12th, and October 10th. Is distant from Sheffield   14 miles, Leeds 20, York 44, and London 177 miles. The manor belongs to the Duke of Leeds. Wire-drawing was formerly the principal trade of this town, but it has now given place to the manufacture of linen, which is carried on to a very considerable extent; the former business, however, is not given up. Barnsley is still noted for the manufacture of wire. The church is spacious and well built and there is a Free Grammar School here, founded in the year 1665. The population, according to the last census, is 5.014.