Significant book relating to leading local figure is donated to Barnsley Archives and local studies

An important manuscript tribute book relating to leading local figure Sir Walter Spencer-Stanhope (1827-1911) of Cannon Hall has been generously purchased by the Friends of Barnsley Archives and added to their outstanding collections.

The book, which is now available to researchers, features tributes to Sir Walter and obituaries from newspapers all over the country offering a glimpse into his social standing as a highly regarded politician, campaigner and philanthropist.

Barnsley Archives one of the busiest and successful services in the region already have an extensive collection of documents relating to the Spencer-Stanhope family dating back to the 15th century and the book will be a vital and welcome addition to this body of work.

The donation comes at a particularly poignant time as it coincides with the final stages of the Cannon Hall - Parks for People Project - made possible through the generosity of the Heritage Lottery Fund and its players.  The project has seen major restorations take place to the Hall and parklands, once home to Walter, returning it to its former Georgian splendour.

Matt Gladstone, Executive Director of Place said:

The history surrounding the Spencer-Stanhope family is fascinating and we are extremely lucky to have such a rich collection of documents relating to their lives available to us. They were an important part of not only Barnsley’s but national history and it great that their legacy lives on through these documents.