BarnsleyandFamily

  Until the early 1990's coal mining was Barnsley's main industry, providing thousands of jobs. The Government of the day, decided that it was not viable to continue mining coal in Yorkshire and that it would be cheaper to import it.  The closure of the mines led to many job losses and pit villages were decimated, it is only in recent years that these villages are coming back to life by a re-generation programme.

Barnsley
Centre of the Yorkshire Coalfield. A busy town with an ancient history. Possesses a 17th century Grammar School and a 12th century Cluniac Priory. Wentworth Castle, once a very large private house, has a front 600 feet long and possesses many masterpieces of art. Charles I's Bible and Prayer-Book are preserved there.


Barnsley -  South Yorkshire.

Barnsley was once the heart of the coal mining industry, until the pits were closed down in the early 1990’s.  Pit villages were decimated and Communities  split up, working down the pit was a very arduous and dangerous job, but for many men, it was the only option for them to work.  My dad worked down the pit as a bricklayer and whilst he hated being underground, he loved the companionship of his fellow workers and the jokes which they shared. 

 

Another Industry which provided a lot of jobs was "The Cannister Company", this was situated at the junction of Sackville Street, Barnsley and the top of Fitzwilliam Street.  It was affectionately known as "The Tin Factory" or "The Tin Oil".  It came to Barnsley  around 1919 and closed in 1992.  A lot of jobs were lost on it's closure.  I can remember as a little girl finding dozens of round tin discs, together with my two cousins, I used to "skate" them over the walls.  It is a miracle that none of us lost a finger or two during this escapade. The wall to the left of this picture was the boundary wall of the "Tin Factory".

The Star Paper Mill was situated at the bottom of Old Mill Lane, in Barnsley, and provided employment for hundreds of people, two of my Grandma's sisters worked there as young girls Tiddy (Elizabeth) and Alice.  It was very hard work, there was a very tall chimney, which was a landmark.  At finishing times there was a loud buzzer which told everyone in Barnsley that the shift was over at the Paper Mill, that buzzer was as reliable as "Big Ben".