Visitor centre celebrates village's industrial past

Elsecar was transformed by the wealthy Fitzwilliam family, who lived at nearby Wentworth Woodhouse

A new visitor centre has opened at Elsecar Heritage Centre as part of a £4m-project to improve the site.

Featuring updated displays, exhibits and activities, the centre tells the story of Elsecar's development from a quiet hamlet to a thriving industrial village.

The work has been funded through a £3.93m grant from the Arts Council's Cultural Development Fund.

Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Council said the improvements had made the centre "an outstanding resource for everyone".

Among the new displays are a "phone line to the past" allowing visitors to hear pieces of oral history from the Barnsley Museums archive via an old black telephone.

The council said they had also worked with Barnsley Blind and Partially Sighted Association to make the centre more accessible.

Elsecar was a model industrial village concept, built and developed over many years by the Fitzwilliam family in connection with Wentworth Woodhouse.

It is home to the Newcomen Beam Engine, one of the oldest steam engines in the world still in its original location.

A bell, used either to mark work start and finish times, or perhaps shift changes is on display

Franklin said: "This project is a fantastic example of how community engagement can create something truly special. Every contribution has helped to make this centre an outstanding resource for everyone, and it's truly fascinating to explore Elsecar's long and impressive history."

Plans to develop the site further include work to repair and repurpose two mill buildings and a 19th Century railway station into "creative workspaces".

Barnsley Council said people could expect to see drainage and public realm works later this year as part of preparations for other developments, with buildings including the former Ironworks due to be completed in Spring 2026.

Smaller businesses now feature at Elsecar Heritage Centre, using workshops and studios

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