Silkstone Common Explained

Map Type:South Yorkshire
Country:England
Official Name:Silkstone Common
Static Image:Ben Bank Road, Silkstone Common - geograph.org.uk - 5090327.jpg
Static Image Caption:Ben Bank Road
Coordinates:53.5355°N -1.5622°W
Type:Village
Population:2,954
Population Ref:(2001 Census)[1]
Region:Yorkshire and the Humber
Os Grid Reference:SE290044
Website:http://www.silkstoneparishcouncil.gov.uk

Silkstone Common is a village in the metropolitan borough of Barnsley in South Yorkshire, England. It is to the south of Silkstone.

History

One of the most notable events in the history of the village was the Huskar Pit Disaster, which occurred on 4 July 1838 when a freak storm flooded part of the mine, killing 26 children; the youngest was 7 years, the oldest 17. A historical account of this event has been documented in the book entitled Children of the Dark.

In 1877, the South Yorkshire Coal and Iron Company built a planned housing development in southwest Silkstone Common called the South Yorkshire Buildings. The buildings are "laid out in a regular pattern surrounded by small allotment gardens" as opposed to "the rest of the settlement, which consists of terraces strung out along existing roads".[2]

Transport

Silkstone Common is served by the railway station of the same name, which opened in 1852.[3] Silkstone Waggonway extends to Silkstone Common. There is also the Station Inn.

Education

The village has a Junior and Infants School. It is also in close proximity to Penistone Grammar School.

Amenities

Silkstone Common is home to a handful of pubs and shops, including the Cottage Bakery Shop.[4]

The village has a Methodist Church.

Notable buildings include Knabb's Hall which was built in late 17th century for William and Elizabeth Wood of Wortley Forge, and the Old Station House, a building located directly beside the railway line which once housed the railway owner but now functions as a residential building.

Notes and References

  1. This population figure is for the civil parish of Silkstone, which also includes the village of Silkstone.Web site: Silkstone CP: Parish Headcounts . 8 April 2007 . Neighbourhood Statistics . .
  2. Web site: Industrial Settlements. South Yorkshire: Historic Environment Characterisation. 6 November 2024.
  3. Web site: The History of The Cottage, Silkstone. The Cottage, Silkstone. 6 November 2024.
  4. Web site: Silkstone Common. Welcome to Yorkshire. 6 November 2024.