Darfield, South Yorkshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darfield |
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 Darfield museum |
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 Darfield
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| Population | 10,685 (Ward. 2011) |
| OS grid reference | SE411048 |
| • London | 150 mi (240 km) SSE |
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| Metropolitan county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Barnsley |
| Postcode district | S73 |
| Dialling code | 01226 |
| Police | South Yorkshire |
| Fire | South Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| UK Parliament |
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Darfield is a village located in South Yorkshire, England. It is part of the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley. Historically, it was part of the West Riding of Yorkshire. Darfield is about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Barnsley town centre. In 2011, the village had a population of 10,685 people.
Contents
History of Darfield
Early History and Name Origin
People have found Roman coins in Darfield. This suggests that Romans lived in the village a very long time ago.
The name "Darfield" comes from old English words. "Feld" means a large area of pasture land. "Dere" refers to the deer that lived in the forests. So, "Derefeld" meant "deer field," which later became Darfield.
Records show there was a church in Darfield in the 8th century. However, the Domesday Book from 1086 does not mention it.
Darfield's Growth with Coal Mining
For many centuries, Darfield was a small farming village. This changed in 1862 when two mining companies started digging for coal. The Darfield Main and Mitchell's Main collieries opened nearby.
Because of the mines, many people moved to Darfield for work. The village population grew very quickly. In 1851, only about 600 people lived there. By 1901, over 4,000 people called Darfield home.
Darfield also had a railway station until 1963. The train line itself closed in 1988 because of problems caused by mining.
Community Life in Darfield
Local Shops and Services
Darfield has many useful shops for its residents. These include a supermarket, a florist, a baker, and a newsagent. You can also find hairdressers, a garage, a post office, and a greetings card shop. There are two chemists, one inside the local doctors' surgery.
For food, Darfield offers two Indian restaurants and two takeaway cafes. You can also enjoy two fish and chip shops, a Chinese takeaway, and a pizzeria.
Places to Meet and Relax
The village has four pubs: Cross Keys, Queen Victoria, the Darfield, and the Sportsman Inn. There are also two clubs: the Village club and the Conservative club. The local cricket club also has a bar for its members.
Museum and Library
Darfield is home to the Maurice Dobson Museum. This museum has several parts, including a main display area. It also has an outlet where local people can sell their crafts. There is a cafe and a meeting place too. The museum building was given to the village by Maurice Dobson, who the museum is named after.
The village also has a small public library. For religious services, there is an Anglican parish church and two Methodist chapels.
Notable Burials
Ebenezer Elliott, a famous poet known as the Corn Law Rhymer, is buried in Darfield All Saints churchyard.
Getting Around Darfield (Transport)
Bus Services
Stagecoach Yorkshire runs frequent bus services from Darfield. Buses go to Barnsley Interchange every 15 minutes during the day. You can use the 218, 219, and X19 services. There are also two buses per hour to Wombwell. The express bus service X19 goes directly to Doncaster Frenchgate Interchange.
Train Connections
Both Wombwell and Goldthorpe railway stations are close to Darfield. From these stations, you can catch trains to cities like Sheffield, Meadowhall, Wakefield, and Leeds.
Education in Darfield
Darfield has several schools for young people:
- Darfield Upperwood Academy: This is a primary school for children aged 4 to 11. It opened in 1973 and teaches about 250 pupils.
- Outwood Primary Academy Darfield: This school was formerly known as Darfield Valley Primary School. It is located on Snape Hill Road.
- All Saints' Academy: This is a Church of England primary school. It has academy status and is located on School Street.
- Netherwood Academy: This is a secondary school that started in September 2012. It was formed by combining Darfield Foulstone School and Wombwell High School. The old Darfield Foulstone School building was taken down in 2013.
Sports in Darfield
Bowling and Cricket
The Darfield Park Crown Green Bowling Club started in 1922. It was part of the Miner’s welfare scheme. The club's original building and ground are still on Church Street. The club celebrated its 100th birthday in 2022 and welcomes new members.
Darfield also has a cricket club. They play at Darfield Cricket Ground.
Football Teams
Darfield JFC is a junior football team in the village. They have played on the Longbow playing fields for over 20 years.
The village once had a team called Darfield F.C. that played in the FA Cup. The closest professional football club to Darfield is Barnsley F.C..
Notable People from Darfield
Many interesting people have connections to Darfield:
- Ian McMillan: A well-known poet and broadcaster.
- Brian Key: A former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Yorkshire South. He was also a local councillor.
- Steve Lancaster: A chemist who is one of the Royal Society of Chemistry's "175 Faces of Chemistry."
- Stephanie Peacock: The Member of Parliament (MP) for Barnsley.
- Patrick Murphy: An artist and designer.
- Gordon West: A famous England and Everton football goalkeeper.
- Clifford Woodhead: A footballer.
See also
In Spanish: Darfield para niños
