Barnoldswick was recently crowned one of the leading high streets in the country. The Great British High Street national competition recognised Barnoldswick's unique retail offer. It was only one of seven towns in Britain to achieve this accolade. The town, affectionatley known as Barlick, is steeped in history and can trace its history back to the Vikings. The town was known as Bernulfswic in the Doomsday Book. In 1147 a monastery was founded here by Cistercian monks from Fountains Abbey, but the locals didn't take too kindly to them so they moved on to Kirkstall where they built an abbey.
The monks did leave behind some trace though. About 10 years after their removal they built the church of St Mary-le-Gill about a mile from Barnoldswick centre. The town, like many around this part of Lancashire, got a name for textile manufacture - and there are still proud examples of the mills about - like Bancroft Mill, now a museum. The Mill is just one of the many points of interest on Barnoldswick's popular Stream and Steam Trail. The town has not rested on its laurels and is now home to many non-textile companies such as Rolls Royce and Silentnight being its most famous. The shops in the town often have a more individual flavour than most, and Barnoldswick itself hosts many events throughout the year, including Barlick Beach, and lots of great afmily events at Thornton Hall Farm.
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