Wombwell (locally /ˈwʊmwɛl/) is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley in South Yorkshire, England. In the 2011 census, data for the town was split between the ward of Wombwell[1] and small sections that fell into the wards of Darfield (specifically the area south of Pitt Street, including Broomhill)[2] and Stairfoot (specifically the area south of Aldham Crescent).[3] Added together, these record the town's population at approximately 15,316.
Wombwell railway station (formerly Wombwell West) serves the Penistone and Hallam lines. Until 1959 the town had another station, Wombwell Central, on the Barnsley–Doncaster line; this was closed when the line lost its passenger service. Wombwell was home to two collieries: Wombwell Main and Mitchells Main. Wombwell is close to the large shopping and leisure facilities of Cortonwood, and also has a number of local business, from cafes to travel agents to high-street chains such as Wilko.
Wombwell has one main cemetery, maintained by a voluntary group, the Friends of Wombwell Cemetery.[4] Two chapels stand in the cemetery, both Grade II listed buildings: one was transformed into a "Peace Garden" after a fire that destroyed its roof; the other has been renovated by the group to become a "community hub".
Wombwell Urban District Council was the administrative body for the town from 1865 until 1974.[5] The district also included Broomhill, Brampton, Aldham, Smithley, Lundhill, Jump and Hemingfield.[citation needed]
Parts of Wombwell were affected by the 2007 floods in the UK. The River Dove breached its banks on Friday 15 June and then again on Monday 25 June. Many homes and businesses were flooded.[7]
St Michael and All Angels Catholic Primary School, located on Stonyford Road, was established in 1903
Kings Oak Primary Learning Centre, established in 2007 from a merger of Kings Road Infant School and Oakfield Junior School
High View Primary Learning Centre, established in 2007 from a merger of Highfields Junior School and Wood View Infant School
Park Street Primary Learning Centre
Sport
Football
The town has had a number of football teams –
Wombwell Town (I) – The first to represent the village in the FA Cup, in 1896. Won the inaugural Yorkshire League in 1899. Dissolved in the 1900s.
Wombwell Rising Star F.C. – Defunct team who entered the FA Cup just once, in 1904
Wombwell – Formed in 1920. Played in the Midland League and reached the 1st Round of the FA Cup in 1930, but dissolved in 1934.
Wombwell Town (II) – Three times Yorkshire League champions, dissolved in 2000. Previously known as Wombwell Athletic, Wombwell & Darfield and Wombwell Sporting Association.
