Penistone

Penistone is a market town and civil parish in South Yorkshire, England. It is situated in the metropolitan borough of Barnsley, approximately 7 miles west of Barnsley and 27 miles north of Sheffield. Historically, Penistone was a township within the parish of Silkstone.

The town lies on the River Don. Its name is believed to derive from Old English words possibly meaning "a hill where hawks were kept" or related to a personal name. Penistone is noted for its high elevation, making it one of the highest towns in England.

Penistone has a market charter dating back to 1249. The town retains its market charter and holds weekly markets. The church of St John the Baptist is a prominent landmark, featuring a distinctive perpendicular tower. The town's economy has historically been linked to agriculture and, in the past, to coal mining and wool production.

The surrounding area is known for its scenic countryside, part of the Pennine range. Penistone is a terminus for a railway line, the Penistone Line, which connects it to Sheffield. This line has historically been important for freight and passenger transport. The town serves as a local centre for surrounding villages and rural communities.