History

Hemsworth possesses an attractive church and a group of Almshouses. The original hospital charity was founded by the famous 16th century Archbishop Holgate.  

Hemsworth Poor Law Union was formed in 1850, and built a workhouse in the 1850s. The building's layout follows the "square" plan popular in the 1830s. Later additions to the site included a Guardians' board-room block in 1895, casual wards in 1900, an infirmary at the south of the site in 1903, a Master's house in about 1920, and a further infirmary block in 1923.  

The colliery at Hemsworth opened prior to 1876, when it became Fitzwilliam - Hemsworth Collieries Ltd owned by R. G. Fosdick. In 1880 it became the Hemsworth Colliery Co., then New Hemsworth Colliery Co., reverting to Fitzwilliam Hemsworth Collieries Ltd in 1904. Major J. R. Shaw of Purston Hall, who owned Featherstone Main and South Kirby Collieries took over the colliery in 1906.  

Hemsworth escaped most of the ravages of the two World Wars. Mining was classed as a 'reserved' occupation so miners were not called up in the forces. Hemsworth was classed as a relatively safe area and as such, had many evacuee children sent here by train to be taken in by the good people of Hemsworth until it was safe for them to return to London.

By the 1960's Scottish miners and their families were encouraged to Hemsworth to work in the pits. A new housing estate (the Scotch Estate) was built to accommodate them.   Now Hemsworth is a place re-adjusting itself in the aftermath of the demise of the pits. Many regeneration projects are working to benefit the long term prospects of the town.

How to get there

Road - A628 Barnsley Road/Pontefract Road, B6273 Wakefield Road
From Barnsley where a connection can be made with the M1
From M62 - Exit at Junction 32 follow signs for Pontefract, then Ackworth and Barnsley, then follow directional signs for Hemsworth  

Rail - no railway station.  Closest railway station is at South Elmsall  

Bus - Bus Station is in Market Street West Yorkshire Services - Tel: 01924 360000; Metro Services - Tel: 0113 245 7676