Settled by Saxons in the 6th century the name Ackworth derives from the Anglo-Saxon for 'oak enclosure'.
Quakers originally opened Ackworth School in 1779. Opposite stands an early row of 19th century cottages. The village green forms a picturesque centrepiece to the various fine houses nearby. Well clear of the village, a Plague Stone stands at a road junction, where the villagers left money in exchange for food brought to them at a time when Ackworth was cut off by an outbreak of the plague.
Modern day Ackworth encompasses the areas of High Ackworth, Low Ackworth, Ackworth Moor Top and Brackenhill.
