DID you learn about Henry III at school?
I didn’t, but a quick Google shows he’s often seen as one of England’s less successful kings. You learn something new every day!
There’s one thing I do know about him, though, and it boosts his reputation in my eyes. In 1249, he granted a royal market charter to our town, bringing Barnsley Market into existence - and as the last 777 years have shown, this was definitely a good idea!
Obviously, Henry can’t really take much credit for how successful our market has become. We’ve come a long way since the 1240s, and its recent transformation is down to the long-term vision of our council and the hard graft of our traders.
That graft has paid off. Barnsley Market was recently crowned the Best Large Indoor Market at the 2026 NABMA Great British Market Awards - another national honour for our town.
Judges praised the modern food hall, high occupancy, its ability to attract new traders and its support for long-standing family businesses.
They highlighted the strong partnership between traders and the Glass Works management team, and the market’s culture of entrepreneurship.
This is one reason why our local economy is on the up. Barnsley has seen disposable income rise faster than anywhere else in the north of England. Although the government still has more work to do, this is an encouraging sign.
The average family in our town now has a bit more money in their pockets. This is a proof that, together, a Labour government and a Labour council can make a real difference.
Every pound spent locally strengthens our high streets and supports the businesses that employ Barnsley folk. That’s where the council’s Barnsley Gift Card scheme comes in.
It’s a simple but powerful tool that keeps spending rooted in our local economy. With more than a hundred local businesses signed up - from independent shops to market stalls to family run cafes - every purchase becomes a vote of confidence in our town.
None of this happens without us and our choices. Spending a fiver at one of our borough’s markets instead of with an online giant. Choosing Barnsley butchers and bakers instead of the supermarket - I can certainly recommend the turkey from Keith’s Quality Meats and the bread from Fosters Bakery!
Getting a book from the Book Vault, a greetings card from Home Farm Crafts, or flowers from Lush Lillys rather than the national names.
Other retailers are available, of course!
Individually these decisions seem small. Together, they help shape a stronger Barnsley.
From Henry III’s dubious record to today’s national recognition, Barnsley Market has been through centuries of change. It remains at the heart of our town because each generation has supported it.
Let’s keep this story going. In 2026, support our traders. Spend local. Back Barnsley!
