VE Day 80: Barnsley Remembers

On 8 May 1945 the lights on Barnsley town hall were switched back on and street parties took place across the borough.

From the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 until victory in 1945, Barnsley was deeply affected by the impact of war. Alongside the rest of the country and the Allied Forces, the people of Barnsley made their contribution to stopping the oppression and expansion of the Nazi regime. Coal mines provided fuel; factories made equipment and munitions; people lived with blackouts, air raids and the rationing of everyday essentials. The people of Barnsley gave up their money, time and in some cases lives to support the war effort.

On the 80th anniversary of VE Day we are exploring some of the stories and collecions relating to the Second World War.

Blog

Margaret Hill: Secrets of Bletchley Park

Margaret Hill (née Naylor, previously Weston) had a secret life in Buckinghamshire that she couldn’t share with anyone for many years. She was born in Spencer Street, Barnsley on 16 June 1921. Margaret and her first husband Walter both worked in secrecy at Bletchley Park, home to the Allied Forces codebreaking activities during World War II. Learn more about her fascinating life in our latest blog

Collections Highlights

Anti-tank bomb

This anti-tank bomb (also known as a Sticky Bomb) was made at the glass factory, Beatson Clark. Many women worked there during the war. They blew the glass to form the bomb shape which was then filled with nitro-glycerine. The woolly cover was covered in a type of glue which enabled it to stick to the side of a tank before it exploded.

See more of our WW2 collection highlights.

The Second World War: The Barnsley Story feat, the voice of Harry Leslie Smith

This is a walk-through video of an exhibition held at Experience Barnsley in 2019. As you virtually walk around the gallery you can hear the voice of Barnsley born English writer and political commentator Harry Leslie Smith. Revisit our WW2 exhibition