How to Find Us and more about Penistone
History
The original meaning of the name Penistone is unclear. Some believe that Pen derives from the Celtic word for hill, and ton comes from the Anglo Saxon for town. This would be particularly relevant as Penistone is 200 metres above sea level. Another explanation is that the housing rent was one penny when the town was built and it became known as 'Penny's Town'.
The history of Penistone can be dated back to 1066 when it was known to be owned by Ailric. However, following the Norman Conquest it was razed to the ground in 1069 by the advancing army; the Domesday Book described the settlement in 1089 as 'wasted'.
The town was of little importance until the coming of the railway in 1845, although the Grade I listed mediaeval parish church survives. The White Hart pub in the town dates from 1377. Penistone has had a market since 1699, although its livestock market has recently closed.
Penistone grammar school was founded in 1392. Famous former pupils include mathematician Nicholas Saunderson - a close friend of Isaac Newton and Anne Campbell - MP for Cambridge (to May 2005)
Today
Although the town still has a railway station, the main line through the town to Manchester, via Woodhead, is presently only used by the Trans-Pennine Trail. There are plans to reopen this route to trains. The current railway station serves the Penistone Line.
The Penistone Show is an annual agricultural show which draws in crowds from across the county. It is always held on the second Saturday in September. As well as ordinary agricultural categories for sheep, cows, goats, and chickens entries are also received in horticulture, handicraft, show jumping, pigeons, dogs, photography and many more categories.
Penistone Farmers' Market is a monthly farmers' market on the second Saturday of every month. Local farmers and producers of foods and crafts bring local produce direct to the public. The market is open to all traders selling more than 50% of their own produce and based within a fifty mile radius of Penistone. The market is held on the Penistone town market
Other Penistone Links.