The Hall

For over two hundred years, Cannon Hall was home to the Spencer (later the Spencer-Stanhope family, who made their fortune in the local iron industry. In the 1760's the architect John Carr of York was employed by the family to enlarge the hall and redesign the interior.

Further alterations were made to the Hall in subsequent years, including the addition of an oak-panelledballroom in 1891. Since 1957 the Hall has been open to the public, run by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

The Museum

The museum is home to a collection of art including ceramics, glass, furniture and paintings dating from the 17th to the 20th century, displayed in the Hall's Georgian and Victorian rooms.

It also houses 'Charge', the Regimental Museum of the 13th/18th Hussars (Queen Mary's Own), which is a must for anyone interested in military history. Refurbished with assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, it illustrates the part played by the Regiment in many major battles such as the Charge of the Light Brigade and includes memorabilia dedicated to Lord Baden Powell.

The Victorian tea rooms are open at weekends and during school holidays for home-made light refreshments in the traditional setting of the kitchens and Servant's Hall. The Museum also has a shop stocking a range of greetings cards, local history books, confectionery and giftware.

Cannon Hall has a lively programme of events throughout the year and runs a temporary exhibition and education programme. It also provides an ideal setting for conference and business meetings and civil wedding ceremonies.