Where did the name Cannon Hall come from? Way back in the 13th century, Gilbert Canun was the first recorded inhabitant of a property on the site, and this is thought to be the origin of the name. Ownership then passed to the Bosville family of Ardsley, and on to different families over the centuries until John Spencer bought the estate in 1660. This marked the start of almost 300 years of the Spencer and Spencer Stanhope family expanding and improving the Hall and grounds, funded by great wealth made in the local iron industry. Now an impressive and elegant building, Cannon Hall stands in 70 acres of historic parkland looking towards the village of Cawthorne to the west of Barnsley.

The Park and Gardens are a perfect setting for romance fairyland is a delight and inspired by the wonder of the Pre Raphaelite age. It has been the backdrop for many marriage proposals.

The natural habitats that exist in the historic landscape have always been of huge importance and an integral part of the outside space. See hundreds of varieties of plants, trees, flowers, and a nationally recognised collection of fruit as well as an abundance of magnificent greenery. Home to many animals, birds, and insects the parklands are constantly alive with activity – even below the waterline of the magnificent lakes is a wealth of fish and amphibians.