Illustration of parish Accts. An extract of the Parish Accounts Book from the mid-18th century (held in the West Yorkshire Archives at Sheepscar, Leeds ) Click on the picture to see it enlarged

The most respected account of the history of the parish is: "A History of the Parish of Barwick-in-Elmet in the County of York" by F.S. Colman pub. The Thoresby Society, Leeds 1908. Colman was the rector of the parish in 1908. However, further research, the release of public documents not available in 1908 and discoveries require his account of the history of the parish to be revised. The book speculates about the role of the village during the dark ages ssome of which is difficult to sustain in the light of research carried out since that time. Much of the additional findings and revisions have been published in the Society's publications.

Pre-history

Mediaeval to Early 20th Century Period

Within living memory

Archive material

Archaeology

Society members visiting the survey at Potterton on March 27th 1999. The picture shows (left to right) Mike Dymond, of Sheffield University(tutor), Arthur Bantoft (at the time,the Editor of The Barwicker) Andy Staples, Kathryn Howard and Anne Forshaw.

Children from the village's Primary School visiting Hall Tower Field. The picture shows children finding out more about the use of scientific instruments to study the past.

Current research interests

1. A lost film.
   
   
   
   
   The above photograph shows the preparation of a new maypole for the 1954 raising being filmed by the BBC. We believe that it was for a BBC North production. We have checked with the BBC. Unfortunately, the BBC no longer has any record of the occasion. Does anyone have a copy of the original film or does anyone have any idea who might have a copy?

2. When the last parts of the parish were enclosed at the end of the 18th century, an award of land was subsequently drawn up in 1804 to record the land transfers involved. The award is held in the West Yorkshire Archives in Sheepscar, Leeds. HOWEVER, copies of the map or maps required to be drawn up under the Enclosure Act of 1797 are missing. Three copies of the map were likely to accompany the awards. If so, one was to be kept in the church, one at the Duchy of Lancaster's Office and one with the 'Public Register Office kept at Wakefield in and for the West Riding of the County of York'. Does anyone know the whereabouts of any of these important maps?

3. Robinson's painting of Barwick in the middle 19th century - Found at last!

4. Kiddal Hall's oriel window

5. Good quality copies of the Victorian novel "Amy Thornton" by local man Edward Burlend. The copies we know about are in poor condition. The novel is clearly based upon the village and gives a good insight to life in Victorian Barwick-in-Elmet. The Society has recently found and purchased a good quality copy. However, there are several people connected with the Burla(e)nd family and with the village who would be interested in acquiring a copy.

6. A copy of the "Metrical Musings" by the former rector W H Bathurst. The Society would like to acquire a copy of this rare work.

7. We have heard from several owners of commemorative items made from the pews and screen which were removed from the church at its restoration in the 1850's. We would like to hear from any more more owners.