HISTORY
OF THE TOWN
This small town, with its attractive cobbled
square, has its origins in Saxon times although an old
Roman road runs close by. The doomsday book makes reference to a settlement
named
Bernulfsuuic in the vacinity. In 1147 Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey
attempted to found a
monastery in the town. However, the locals didn't appear to want it and
the monks where forced
to relocate to Kirkstall. In 1157 the monks established the church of St.
Mary-le-Gill but were
forced to locate it on the outskirts of the town. A tower was added to
the church in 1524. If you
ever visit the church be sure to look at the Roman numberals on the side
of the tower. Local
folklore has it that the stonemason who added the date was either drunk
or in a great hurry having
forgotten the M and carved out 524 rather than 1524.
It was the coming of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the growth of the
textile industry that
really put Barnoldswick on the map. The Bancroft Mill Engine Trust houses
the last working steam
mill engine in the area. The mill was one of the last to be built in 1920
and remained in production
until 1978. Following the decline of the industrial revolution the arrival
of Rolls Royce once again
brought prosperity to the area. The jet engine was perfected by Rolls Royce
here. The town is
surrounded by rolling hills, offering outstanding views over Yorkshire's
limestone country.
ABOVE:
A picture of Barnolswick town center.
Above:
A picture of Bancroft Mill Museum.