Heritage Britain

Places to Visit in Barnsley, Yorkshire

Cannon Hall Museum and Gardens

Cawthorne
Barnsley
Yorkshire
S75 4AT
Tel: +44(0)1226 790270
Email: click here

Cannon Hall is a country house museum set in 70 acres of historic parkland. For over two hundred years Cannon Hall was home to the Spencer (later Spencer-Stanhope) family, who made their fortune in the local iron industry.

In the 1760s the architect John Carr of York was employed by the family to enlarge the Hall and redesign the interior. Subsequent alterations include the addition of the magnificent oak-panelled Ballroom in 1891.

The Museum has a shop stocking a range of greetings cards, local history books, confectionery and giftware.

Cannon Hall has a lively programme of events throughout the year and runs a temporary exhibition and education programme. Cannon Hall is licensed for civil wedding and partnership ceremonies, and also provides an ideal setting for conferences, business meetings and corporate hospitality.

Cannon Hall Museum
For over 200 years Cannon Hall was home to the Spencer-Stanhope family who made their fortune in the local iron industry. In the 1790's the architect John Carr of York enlarged the hall and redesigned the interior.

In 1957 the Hall opened as a museum, and is home to a collection of art including ceramics, glass, furniture and Old Master paintings, displayed in the Hall's Georgian and Victorian rooms. Highlights include Mrs Tuder by John Constable, Wheelback Chairs by George Hepplewhite and stunning ceramics by William de Morgan and Moorcroft.

The Hall also houses 'Charge', the Regimental Museum of the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) and the Light Dragoons which is a must for anyone interested in military history. Refurbished with assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, it illustrates the part played by the Regiment in many major battles such as the Charge of the Light Brigade and includes memorabilia dedicated to Lord Baden Powell.

Park and Gardens
Covering over 70 acres of parkland and gardens, landscaped in the 1760s by Richard Woods of Chertsey, Cannon Hall is an ideal place for a relaxing walk, family outing or picnic.

The historic walled garden adjacent to the main Hall dates from the 1760s and can be enjoyed by visitors all year round. An annual event in September celebrates the pear trees, which were first grown here in the early eighteenth century. One of the greenhouses is home to the 200 year old Cannon Hall vine, which was grown from a seed brought back by John Spencer-Stanhope from the Continent in 1802. A cutting of the vine was exported to Australia, cultivated, and its descendants produce today's fine Australian wines.

Opening Times
Open all year round. Please note the Walled Garden is locked at night and some weekends during the winter months - please call us for opening times if you are making a special journey.

In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting

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