Grimethorpe

Coordinates: 53°34′N 1°23′W / 53.57°N 1.38°W / 53.57; -1.38

Grimethorpe is a large village in the metropolitan borough of Barnsley in South Yorkshire, England. Historically within the West Riding of Yorkshire, it has a population of 1,873. Grimethorpe is located to the east of Barnsley and south of Hemsworth; until the local government reorganisation of 1974, it was part of the Hemsworth district and constituency.

Historically Grimethorpe was economically dependent on mining, but since the closure of its colliery in May 1993 the village has gone into decline.

Grimethorpe Bus Services: Watersons Services 37 - Barnsley - Grimethorpe Via White & Red City Service 38 - Barnsley - Grimethorpe Windmill Ave Various Stagecoach Services

History

It is believed the name Grimethorpe originates from "Grim's Torp", a mixture of Anglo-Saxon and Viking names, meaning a torp or hamlet owned by a Viking named Grimey. Grimethorpe is at the foot of the hill upon which is the village of Brierley. In fact, Grimethorpe was likely named such as a Norse farm built close to Brierley village. Following the Norman Conquest, the Brierley-Grimethorpe area came under the rule of the De Laceys of Pontefract, with a local Saxon owner. In 1066, this owner was Ernui who was said to have six carucates of land at Brerelia and Hindelia, valued at forty shillings. (A carucate was as much land as could be ploughed in one year by one plough and eight oxen. An acre was as much land as could be ploughed in one day by one plough and a pair of oxen.)