Worsbrough Mill 400th Anniversary Celebrations

Now that we’ve secured the £40,000 needed to repair the mill shaft – thanks to the fantastic support from the community and Barnsley Council – we're turning our attention to the next big step.

Barnsley’s iconic Worsbrough Mill will mark its 400th birthday in 2025 to honour this milestone anniversary, we want to do more than celebrate the past. We aim to reshape how people connect with Worsbrough Mill, making sure they can take part in its future care, development, and long-term sustainability.

The next chapter is about creating a green heritage site, once again powered by the natural energy of the river. By learning from its 400-year journey, we will share the story of the Mill as a model of sustainable food production and environmental responsibility. This will include new interpretation inside the Mill, alongside engaging activities and volunteering opportunities for all ages.

Through this project, people will gain a deeper understanding of sustainable technology, traditional milling, and the role they play in protecting our environment. The impact will extend beyond the Mill, reaching into the surrounding country park – a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest – where further efforts are underway to care for and enhance our green spaces.

With your support, Worsbrough Mill can continue to inspire and educate for the next 400 years.

As one of the last remaining working mills in Yorkshire, Worsbrough Mill still grinds around 16 tons of grain each year and is a much-loved part of our community. Its 400-year legacy is not only worth celebrating but worth protecting for future generations.

Since 1625, Worsbrough Mill has harnessed the power of the River Dove to produce flour. Set in 240 acres of stunning countryside and reservoir, the site is a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for people. Every year, more than 250,000 visitors – from birdwatchers and anglers to dog walkers and families – enjoy this unique space.

Over the centuries, the Mill has supporter a growing village, an industrial town, and now a modern borough. Since the 1970s, it has become a popular destination for visitors wanting to explore Barnsley’s heritage and natural beauty.