Thurgoland Circle Walk

Michael Palmer
2 days ago
1 min read

A Brief History of Thurgoland, South Yorkshire

Nestled in the rolling hills between Barnsley and Sheffield, the village of Thurgoland sits on the edge of the Peak District and the River Don Valley. Though small today, Thurgoland has a long and fascinating history that reflects Yorkshire’s rural and industrial heritage.

The name Thurgoland is believed to derive from Old Norse origins — “Thurkel’s land” — suggesting it was first settled by Vikings around the 9th or 10th century. Like many South Yorkshire villages, it began as a small agricultural community, with farms and cottages scattered along the valley.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Thurgoland grew in importance thanks to the iron and wire industries. The surrounding area was rich in ironstone, and several wire-drawing mills operated along the River Don, powered by waterwheels. The Thurgoland Wire Works and nearby Smithy Wood Furnace were particularly significant, helping to supply materials for Sheffield’s thriving steel industry.

The arrival of the railway in the 19th century further boosted local trade and transport. While industrial activity has since faded, the old mill sites, workers’ cottages, and stone bridges still hint at the village’s industrious past.

Today, Thurgoland is a peaceful, semi-rural village surrounded by scenic countryside. It’s a popular spot for walkers exploring the Trans Pennine Trail, the Thurgoland Boundary Walk, and the Upper Don Valley, offering a blend of woodland paths, farmland tracks, and riverside views.