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Everything you need to know about Silkstone - From what there is to see, to up to date house price information.

In the foothills of the Pennines, nestled between the towns of Barnsley and Penistone, lies Silkstone village.  A sought-after area that's perfect for families and retirees, looking to live a semi-rural lifestyle without being isolated from modern conveniences.  It includes the village of Silkstone Common which is well-known for its fascinating historical significance and traditional English charm. Possessing mansions, stately churches, and other reminders of the captivating past, it's no surprise that home buyers are drawn to this area. 

Silkstone itself is noted for Silkstone Common, a nearby village, and Silkstone Church, which has historical and architectural significance. The church, dedicated to All Saints, is a Grade I listed building and has elements dating back to the 12th century. Additionally, the village is proud to be twinned with St. Florent-des-Bois, which is in the Vendée department of western France's Pays de la Loire region. Silkstone now has a population of 2,961 (according to the Silkstone 2021 Census which is made up of 1,453 males and 1,496 females.

 

Aerial Photo of Silkstone

Panoramic aerial photo of Silkstone, Barnsley
 
 

Location

Silkstone is situated in Yorkshire and the Humber County, South Yorkshire, 153 miles north-west of London, and three miles north-east of Penistone and Barnsley, both of which are significant towns. Silkstone, situated two miles to the south of the West Yorkshire border, was formerly a part of Yorkshire County. Silkstone is situated within the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. It is in the S75 postal code area. Barnsley is where Silkstone's mail is delivered.

Silkstone to Huddersfield is 38 min (15.7 miles) via A635 and A629 by car. 
Silkstone to Meadowhall, Sheffield is 36 min (13.5 miles) via M1 by car.
Silkstone to Manchester Airport is 1 hr 22 min (38.7 miles) via A628 by car.
Silkstone to Leeds City Centre is 41 min (25.7 miles) via M1 by car.
Silkstone to Leeds Bradford Airport is 1 hr (31.4 miles) via M1 by car.
Silkstone to Manchester City Centre 1 hr 29 min (32.3 miles) via A628 by car.
Silkstone to Sheffield City Centre is 48 min (17.2 miles) via A629 by car.
Silkstone to Barnsley is 16 min (5.5 miles) via A635 by car. 
Silkstone to Penistone is 14 min (4.3 miles) via Barnsley Rd/A628 by car. 
 

Bringing the community together

Huskar Community CenterThe community enjoys a modern purpose-built community centre. One of the many village hubs that highlights Silkstone's wonderfully warm, inviting allure and its charming community spirit.

Modern and purpose-built, the Huskar Community Rooms are the perfect location for a variety of clubs, classes, and activities, offering an excellent choice for private events like parties and gatherings.   In addition to providing a range of clubs, classes, and activities, including craft clubs, dance classes, exercise groups, moms and toddlers' groups, Brownies, Scouts, and community information meetings, you can also reserve the space for your own use. 

The building itself has two spacious rooms, a large kitchen, a fully equipped reception area, handicapped-accessible restrooms, and baby changing areas.  

When the Community Centre first opened its doors in 2015, its goal was to give the entire community and its neighbourhoods, access to spaces for leisure and learning.  To collaborate with community organisations, volunteers, and locals to provide programmes that enhance education, encourage social inclusion, and foster community cohesion.  The Huskar Community Rooms is conveniently located behind the main garage and easily accessible from Barnsley Road A28.  

In addition to a nearby grammar school, Silkstone is home to two state junior and infant schools. They are all well known for their excellent standards and, in certain cases, their past Ofsted ratings.

•    Silkstone Primary School 
•    Silkstone Common Junior and Infant School – hosts of the Scarecrow Trail. 
•    Cliff Nursery – Silkstone
•    Silverwood School – private pre-school
•    Penistone Grammar School – GCSE and A Level, Supports SEN


Interesting places to visit in Silkstone

A popular visitor attraction is the Horsfield’s Garden Nursery which is also home to a 17th-century pottery kiln. 

A charming location to visit for all the family to enjoy is Pot House Hamlet which has been a hive of activity for centuries.  The Doomsday Book mentions Silkstone before many towns, including Barnsley, were even founded. One of the first major uses of the site at the turn of the Industrial Revolution was a glasswork dating back to the 17th century, established in the village by the Pilmay family, who were descended from French Huguenot immigrants. 
The pioneering glass-making business depended heavily on the energy provided by the industrious little Silkstone Beck which runs beneath Pot House Bridge and served as the hub of the village community for many generations.  The business was one of the first in Europe to revolutionise the energy required to fire the pot kilns, charcoal was used as a fuel to fire the kilns, in its place of coal. Furthermore, English Heritage designated the site as a National Ancient Monument (No 35494, approved on June 12, 2003, by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport) after excavating the glassworks and pottery remnants in 2003, some of which date back to the 18th century. 

Above the door of Pot House, once a gentleman's residence, were the words "Momento Mori" (A.P.AD 1682) a figure of speech meaning; remember you must die. The house stood slightly below Potter Hill, where the clay was ideal for creating pottery and earthenware pieces.

In 2000, additional renovations were carried out at the mill that century’s earlier, had ground grain for the community, using water from the accessible Silkstone Beck.   In the Potting Shed, the original water wheel's markings are still visible on the wall.  Pot House was situated along the Pack Horse Trail, which provided access to the entire nation. As mining grew in the 19th and 20th centuries, Silkstone Waggon Way—which carried coal carts to the canal basin close to Cawthorne—was constructed with stone sleepers and supporting rails. The original stones, which were placed in 1809, are still visible today on the waggon way beside Silkstone Beck, right next to the hamlet and is a popular trail for dog walkers and joggers.
 

Pot House Roots

Local farmer and businessman, Henry Wallace Horsfield (1902-1980) and his family farmed the land, bred border terriers, and kept chickens. In the old mill, he kept pigs. Wallace gave his son Tom Horsfield a thousand roses for his twelfth birthday in 1961 and displaying his business skills at an early age, Tom later made a career out of growing roses. He participated in numerous exhibitions and, at the Great Yorkshire Show, was awarded a Gold Medal for his roses. As gardening gained popularity, Tom started cultivating more shrubs and trees. Emma, his daughter, took over the nursery in 2003.

Subsequently, Tom has sympathetically restored several of the historic structures at Pot House Mill Farm, beginning with the old mill, work included turning the dilapidated potting shed into "The Potting Shed Café," which is currently located next to the mill and was awarded with Barnsley's Gold Millennium Design Award. Oak beams that Tom cut down from the wood at Pot House Mill Farm coexist with antiques mixed with contemporary design elements in the Potting Shed Café. After that, Tom moved the old cottage into what is now called the Old Glassworks and restored it. The 2008 Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Commercial Pro Yorkshire award went to The Old Glassworks. 

In addition to the plant nursery, Pot House Hamlet offers: 

•    An independent ladies' clothing boutique “Pookie” Womenswear.
•    A wonderful café the destination for great homemade food. Where you can relax with a coffee and piece of cake in front of an open fire, indulge in breakfast or lunch made with wonderful local produce. 
•    A huge selection of greetings cards
•    Free car parking
•    Candle boutique
•    Dog grooming and pet supplies
•    Beauty
•    Bespoke Jewellery
•    Children's play & Emporium

With the support of family and loyal staff, the garden nursery has expanded into a thriving enterprise that provides excellent services to the community and its surrounding areas. It also continues to preserve and renovate the area while respecting its historical roots. They have regular events and deals so be sure to like their Facebook page to see their updates or check on their website. 
 

The Wagon Way Trail

A popular walking route around Silkstone is The Silkstone Waggonway, which was used as a route for horse-drawn carts in the 1800s built in 1809 by the Barnsley Canal Navigation Company, which was granted in 1808 an Act of Parliament for the building of a waggonway. Its purpose was to move coal from the nearby collieries to the Barnsley Canal Basin, which is about five miles away, is located next to the stream and is now a popular attraction for walkers. Enjoy this 6.1-kilometre out-and-back trail as it takes in the beautiful landscape and historical heritage of the area.  Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hour and 33 minutes to complete. The trail is great for hiking, running, and walking.  Evidence of the old horse-drawn cart path is still visible today.

Coal from this previously landlocked coalfield could now be transported by barge via the network of rivers and canals to east Yorkshire towns and marketplaces, with the construction of the Barnsley Canal in 1800. It also offered access to the sea from the River Humber.  Thanks to the businessman Robert C. Clarke of Noblethorpe Hall, Silkstone, the waggonway was extended to Silkstone Common (Moorend) in 1830 to service the many collieries. When a branch line of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway opened in 1848, it allowed coal to be transported to Manchester via the Woodhead Tunnel from Oxspring.

A line was constructed in the Dove Valley starting in 1852, connecting Moorend, Worsbrough, and Wath. This line provided direct access to the London market.
But the coal industry also came at a heavy cost to the people of that era. Twenty-six children were trapped inside the Huskar mine when it flooded due to an unusual storm in 1838. To commemorate the terrible working conditions they endured, a stone memorial was erected on Silkstone Common fifty years later. The incident received so much media attention that it led to a change in the law prohibiting minors from working underground.

 

Pubs in Silkstone

•    The Bells Bar and Kitchen - A modern restaurant in the heart of Silkstone.   Open for lunch and dinner, serving the finest fresh ingredients from a diverse range of dishes to create a personable dining experience.
•    The Red Lion – A traditional village pub offering Real ales Ideal for walkers, Quiz, Pool, Dog-friendly, Children's play area. A traditional village pub, 
•    The Station Inn – is Open all-day Tuesday to Saturday Sunday & Monday 12-8 pm.  Fish & Chips Thursdays & Fridays Traditional lunch on Sundays (booking advisable) Pensioners Luncheon Club Mondays 12-2 (new members welcome). Private parties catered for. They offer buffets and hot meals. Walking and Cycling groups and dog-friendly.
 

Minster of the Moors

Due to its size and prominent location, the All Saints parish church—which is Grade I listed—has been dubbed the "Minster of the Moors" since the 12th century. It still houses several important historical and architectural treasures. Situated on a knoll within a spacious and immaculate churchyard, this distinguished, serene, church extends a warm welcome to all who stop by.

Before the Norman Conquest, a Saxon church stood where many of the nearby villages and townships were owned by the Saxon Lord Ailric. The church at Pontefract was given to the monks by his son Swein. The 14th-century structure that is now a Grade I listed building has undergone numerous changes over time.

Explore the cathedral-like interior, which features impressive Victorian stained glass, Victorian box pews, a moving window commemorating the Huskar Pit disaster from the 20th century, a beautifully carved 14th-century roof screen, 15th-century roof bosses (where the joints meet) with intricately carved green men, and a magnificent 1801 Royal Coat of Arms with a lion and unicorn reverse carved on both sides.

The church also houses some exquisite memorials, such as two plaques honouring the prolific and fascinating engineer and inventor local man Joseph Bramah (1748-1814), who was born and raised in the parish of Silkstone and attended Town School in Silkstone, who founded the Bramah lock and many other contemporary devices we use daily, and one of the best representations of a knight in armour dating back to 1675, Sir Thomas Wentworth. 

The 80ft tower which originally stood over the chancel was moved to the west end in 1495. It holds 6 bells, the oldest is 500 years old and the newest is 290 years old!

Still standing are several intriguing Grade ll listed tombstones, ledger tombs, and table tombs. A Victorian Huskar Monument, located on the edge of the churchyard, was built to honour the 26 children who tragically drowned in the Huskar Pit in 1838. 

There is still proof of the exceptional craftsmanship of the era.  The churchyard is dotted with battlement parapets and pinnacles, and the exquisitely carved ancient gargoyles are still intact and visible.
 

The Bramah Gallery

A community heritage space in the tower was added at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It welcomes visitors to discover all about the history and fascinating tale of the church, the parish, and the neighbouring towns and villages.  
 

Silkstone Brass Band (Est 1861)

A traditional village band featuring a wedding, small ensemble, marching, oompah, and brass band which was founded in 1861 by Coniah Stringer. 

At the time, Coniah Stringer served as the choirmaster of All Saints Church in Silkstone and during that period, the choir's singing was led by the harmonium that belonged to the church, along with a few string instruments.  On discovering that the harmonium was to be replaced with a pipe organ, and the stringed instruments were to be discarded, Coniah immediately bought himself a cornet and went on to purchase six more brass instruments through local subscriptions, resulting in people coming together to form the Old Silkstone Band.

Up until 1894, Coniah served as the band's first conductor. The band bought its first set of military-style uniforms during his tenure as conductor, with the helmets being the standout piece.
The conductor's helmet was adorned with a "blood red" tassel, and the other band members' helmets had a white tassel. 

Unfortunately, the striking uniform was short-lived. The resemblance between the Old Silkstone band and the Household Cavalry band uniform was too similar, consequently, resulting in the government taking it back. How the government found out about Old Silkstone and the Household Cavalry band's duplicate uniform, is still a talking point today.

Out of courtesy, the government did replace the uniforms with a new set; however, this new set differed significantly from the previous one in that Kepi’s, a type of headgear worn by French troops, was used in place of helmets. Up until 1895–1896, Coniah remained the bandmaster. The 1901 Census lists him as the landlord of "Lord Nelson," Shambles Street, Barnsley, where he lived from 1898 until 1912.

The band is still up and running to this day and over the decades has achieved great success at numerous competitions held across the country.   Historic records show that Old Silkstone attended the first Whit Friday March Contest in 1884 at Uppermill sharing 3rd place with Hinchliffe Mill, with Wyke Temperance 1st & 2nd Place.  
 

Silkstone Parish Council

Within the first level of local government, the Parish Council is comprised of Councillors who are elected from the community that they represent. The meetings of the Parish Council are held in the Silkstone Sports Pavilion, and they begin at 6:45 p.m., followed by a 15-minute period for the public to ask questions. Silkstone Council Meeting Dates 2024

As part of their efforts to get the most favourable terms for Silkstone and Silkstone Common, members of the Parish Council participate in meetings with a variety of official organisations, including the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, to consider various ideas.  All of this work is done on a voluntary basis, and Parish Councillors only claim a small portion of our expenses. Most people assert that there is none at all. 

In accordance with the Localism Act 2011, every member of the Council is obligated to fill out a Register of Interests. This form serves as a notification to the Monitoring Officer of Barnsley MBC, indicating that any pecuniary interests that are disclosed must be included on the Register of Members' Interests. This is a public document that may be accessed on the page that is dedicated to the councillors
 

Aerial Photo of Silkstone Common 

Aerial Photo of Silkstone Common, Barnsley
 

Transportation links

Bus routes run through the village 
The train station is situated in Silkstone Common
 

House Prices in Silkstone 

When looking for property in Silkstone to buy, it's essential to work with a local estate agent who can provide you with detailed information about available properties, guide you through the buying process, and recommend the best area to live in ensuring you find a property that suits your preferences and requirements.

Over the past year, the overall average price of a home in Silkstone was calculated to be £ 305,243.

During the past year, most homes that changed hands in Silkstone were detached homes, which sold for an average price of £ 435,733. The typical selling price for a terraced home was £ 175,000 while the average selling price for a semi-detached home was £ 239,750. 

Over the course of the previous year, property prices in Silkstone were 8% higher than the 2020 peak of £ 281,982. (Source: Rightmove UK November 2023)
 
 
Butcher Residential Estate Agents

 

About Butcher Residential and Commercial Estate Agents in Silkstone

Butcher Residential and Commercial Estate and Letting Agents in Silkstone believe that personality matters, and we work hard to understand what you're looking for in both your sale and your next buy. We feel it is critical to listen, maintain regular touch, and maintain strong communication, not just through text, email, or post, but also through regular phone contact. We use cutting-edge technology to market our properties, from plasma displays and digital pictures to floor plans and prominent advertising elements, but our most powerful motivators are our employees, whose daily phone calls keep us in touch with both buyers and sellers. 

The office staff are courteous, helpful, and above all, eager to get you to your new home. We provide accompanied viewings seven days a week, bringing buyers to your property or taking you to ours. After everything is said and done, 'the proof of the pudding is in the eating,' so if you're considering a move, or simply want to discuss any part of buying, selling, or renting, please give us a call - we're here to assist! 

Free Property Valuation 

Determine the value of your property in Silkstone with our Free Valuation Service. We have over 30 years of experience in selling property in Silkstone so we have the experience and knowledge to provide you with an accurate valuation and advice on how to maximise the value of your home to achieve the best possible sale price. 

Alternatively, if you would like a rough idea of the value of your property in Silkstone, you can use our Online Instant Property Valuation Tool.
 
 

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