Penistone is a small market town in the metropolitan borough of Barnsley, in South Yorkshire, England, with a population of around 10,000. It lies about eight miles west of the town of Barnsley.
History
The original meaning of the name Penistone is unclear. Some believe that Pen derives from the Celtic word for hill, and ton comes from the Anglo Saxon for town. This would be particularly relevant as Penistone is 200 metres above sea level. Another explanation is that the housing rent was one penny when the town was built and it became known as 'Penny's Town'.
The history of Penistone can be dated back to 1066 when it was known to be owned by Ailric. However, following the Norman Conquest it was razed to the ground in 1069 by the advancing army; the Domesday Book described the settlement in 1089 as 'wasted'.
The town was of little importance until the coming of the railway in 1845, although the mediaeval parish church survives. The White Hart pub in the town dates from 1377. Penistone has had a market since 1699, although its livestock market has recently closed.
Penistone grammar school was founded in 1392. Famous old boys include mathematician Nicholas Saunderson - a close friend of Isaac Newton; Anne Campbell - MP for Cambridge; and Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit.
Today
Although the town still has a railway station, the main line through the town to Manchester, via Woodhead, is presently only used by the Trans-Pennine Trail. There are plans to reopen this route to trains.
The Penistone Show is an annual agricultural show which draws in crowds from across the county.
Places of interest
- Penistone Paramount Cinema
External links
