The large West Yorkshire village of Birstall (it had a population of 8,740 at the 2001 census) has an eclectic blend of architectural styles, with some elegant Georgian structures mixing with workmanlike buildings that would be described as belonging more to the industrial revolution than any particular reign. The triangular market place is perhaps the most interesting sight within the village itself, with sturdy cobbles that still feel the tramp of market-goers every Thursday. Though it is not named in the Domesday Book, it is believed to date from well before Norman Times. The name is thought to be a corruption of Burg and Stall, and mean fortified town. Situated in a very strategic location, with Leeds (to the northwest), Huddersfield, Wakefield and Bradford around it, Birstall has good transport links thanks to its position on the M62 – the reason why Ikea established one of its first stores in the North in the town, easily seen from the motorway. The marketplace has a statue to Birstall’s most famous son, the scientist Joseph Priestley, who among other achievements was the discoverer of oxygen. The sculpture, by Frances Darlington, dates from 1912. An honorary Birstalian is Charlotte Bronte, who used Oakwell Hall, the substantial Elizabethan residence at the end of the village, in her novel Shirley, where it is called Fieldhead. Close to the hall stands St Peter’s Church, parts of which are Tudor, which is well worth a visit, and to complete the triumvirate there is the Black Bull pub in the same part of the settlement too. If you go there, don’t be upset if nobody talks, within Yorkshire the people of Birstall are famed for their silence, perhaps a hangover from the time of the Luddites – unlike so many other villages and towns where the Luddites operated, none here was ever informed on and arrested.
Market
Pub and Bar
Black Bull Inn
Coach and Six Inn
Coppers Arms
Hare and Hounds
New Inn
White Horse Inn
Restaurant
Black Bull Inn
Chiquito
Coach and Six Inn
Hare and Hounds
New Inn
Taxi
Places to Stay near Birstall
Gomersal Park (0.77 miles)
Set in our extensive grounds the Gomersal Park Hotel is a deceptively quiet setting for a Hotel only a short distance from the centre of Leeds and Bradford. The good food and wine in ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Leeds Bradford (South) (1.23 miles)
Close to shops and local amenities Leeds city centre is only 6 miles away. Our Leeds / Bradford (South) Premier Inn has everything you'd expect, incredibly comfy beds in every room and an onsite Brewers ... More | visit websiteGomersal Lodge Hotel (1.47 miles)
Healey House Hotel (1.59 miles)
Alder House Hotel (1.59 miles)
Set in 2.5 acres of wooded gardens, just a short drive from Leeds and Bradford, this converted Georgian house provides a quiet and relaxed atmosphere for your break away.
Whether you are considering a romantic weekend, ... More | visit website
Innkeeper's Lodge Leeds South (1.80 miles)
The Innkeeper's Lodge Leeds South is located four miles south of Leeds city centre on the A650, this lodge shares its grounds with the Toby Carvery restaurant at Morley. All ... More
Healds Hall Hotel (1.85 miles)
Healds Hall is a family-run hotel with a nationally acclaimed award-winning restaurant and bistro. Set peacefully in landscaped, picturesque gardens Healds Hall presents an ideal venue when planning a conference, meeting or visiting the area. ... More | visit website
Old Vicarage Hotel (1.90 miles)
The Old Vicarage built in 1893, formerly the home of the Vicars of Bruntcliffe, was purchased from the Church by the previous owners in 1977 and in 1986 the building ... More
Old Vicarage Hotel (1.90 miles)
Premier Inn Bradford South (2.38 miles)
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