Village History
BALNE is an agricultural township and ecclesiastical parish, formed in 1855 from the parish of Snaith. 4 ½ miles south-west from Snaith. and 10 from Pontefract, in the Eastern division of the Riding, union and county court district of Pontefract, rural deanery of Snaith. archdeaconry and diocese of York. The river Went flows through and the Doncaster and York section of the North Eastern railway intersects the parish and has a station here. The church of St. John the Baptist, situated near the Knottingley canal, is a brick building erected by the late Viscount Downe and consists of chancel, nave and aisles. The register dates from the year 1854. The living is a vicarage, yearly value £200 in the gift of Viscount Downe and held by the Rev. William Greenslade M.A. of Trinity College, Cambridge. The manorial rights are divided. The principal landowners are the Earl of Mexborough, and George W. Bateson De Yarburgh esq. The soil is sand and clay. The chief crops are wheat, barley, potatoes and peas. The population of the township in 1871 was 358; that of the ecclesiastical district was 825; the area is 2,866 acres; the area of the ecclesiastical parish is 4,785 acres; rateable value £4,512.
National school (mixed), under government inspection; Richard Johnson, master.
— Kelly's Directory of the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire (1913)
Yorkshire Vernacular Building Study Group Report
The Parish Council is currently focused on maintaining the Parish Room. A recent historical report by the Yorkshire Vernacular Building Study Group offers a fascinating insight into the history of both the building and Balne; it can be viewed here.
Thought to be over 250 years old, the Parish Room is an important part of our village heritage. As with many older buildings, it requires consistent ventilation to remain in good condition. However, it is no longer used or heated as frequently as it once was.
To help protect and maintain the space, we are exploring the installation of a Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) fan. This will help regulate humidity, reduce condensation and allow the building to ‘breathe’ more effectively. Looking ahead, we also plan to redecorate, creating a more welcoming space that encourages people to use it.
To support continued use, we have begun opening the Parish Room every four weeks during the visiting library service – both to ensure regular airflow and to give residents a chance to meet up.
We are also holding a Christmas event this year, Sunday 7th December and details can be found here.