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Discover Penistone.
Penistone has retained much of its historic architecture and ties to its agricultural roots, owing to its status as a designated conservation area. Penistone promises a grand day out full of fresh air and local stories.
Penistone's Family-Friendly Days Out
Penistone Agricultural Show is hosted annually in September, offering a full day of family-friendly entertainment, activities, food and drink.
Penistone Agricultural Show hosts a range of dog shows, and competitions for livestock, homecraft, home-grown produce.
They also offer trade stands, handicraft workshops, live music, bars, and a vast array of farm machinery and vintage vehicles on display.
Penistone’s Industrial Significance
Penistone Viaduct’s imposing mid-19th century railway architecture signifies Penistone’s importance throughout the industrial era, vital for the transportation of coal.
Like much of the Industrial Revolution, Penistone Viaduct has some gruesome history for the morbidly curious.
In 1884, a train halted on the viaduct on its approach to the station. A passenger unfortunately assumed they had arrived at the station and made the mistake of stepping out of the carriage, falling to his death.
Penistone’s Historic Hiking
Hikers can access Penistone’s several historic landmarks via the Pen-Den Dale and Upper Dale Trails.
Hartcliff Tower was built by Henry Richardson Esq., a linen merchant turned Mayor of Barnsley. Also called Hartcliff Folly, it was constructed in 1856 to demonstrate Richardson’s wealth and status. Although Hartcliff Tower stands on private land, a public bridleway offers extensive views across the grassy landscape.
Ring Wood is a distinctive cultivated woodland surrounded by a spherical stone wall, popular for its tranquillity and hints to Penistone’s cross-county market trade. Maps suggest the beech plantation predates the 1850s, originally protecting sheep from harsh weather. Ring Wood straddles Yorkshire’s important salt trading route from Northwich, Cheshire to Saltersbrook, now a derelict hamlet. A milestone indicates 15 miles to Rotherham, a stop along the Old Salt Road.
A Leisurely Stroll in Central Penistone
For more leisurely walks, Penistone Heritage Trail is a circular route including several notable locations.
Penistone Paramount Cinema is a retro cinema with a modern twist. Its single screen, separate circle and stall seating, and Compton Organ placed centre-stage mirror a traditional 20th century cinema. When films aren’t being shown, the auditorium’s stage hosts live music, comedy, and plays.
Saint John’s Church and nearby War Memorial are worthy spots for a stroll and quiet reflection. Much of the present church building was constructed in the 1300s, with evidence of earlier buildings still visible. Medieval masonry is dotted around the building: The shaft of a Saxon cross, fragments of herringbone brickwork, and two 12th century corbel stones. After plenty of sightseeing, visitors can enjoy a pint and a bite to eat at The Spread Eagle pub. Photographs of The Spread Eagle precede the 1900s, making it one of Penistone’s oldest pubs. For weekend getaways, The Old Crown Inn is a highly rated establishment offering drinks and rooms at competitive prices.
Final Thoughts
Penistone has a fascinating history that simply cannot be fully captured in this short article. This market town is best enjoyed on a warm, sunny day, when muddy boots can be propped against a pub table after a long, refreshing walk. Get in touch to let us know what you discovered during your visit to this historic town.
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This article was written by Natalie Willetts (Natalie Willetts Research & Writing Services) to celebrate the unique historical, cultural, and artistic personalities of West and South Yorkshire. Visit her page on Work, Rest or Play to read more of her articles.
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