Stairfoot developed as a larger community in the late 19th Century , Hunningley is mentioned in the 14th Century , but Stairfoot does not seem to be recorded as such before 1771.

The name Stairfoot is perhaps so named because it lies at the bottom of a valley between the two small hills on the old Barnsley to Doncaster road, being surrounded by the villages of Ardsley and Kendray.

The development of the linen, glass, coal, brick making and tar industries in the area, served by the canal, railway and road system led to substantial housing development being undertaken to accommodate people working in the industries. by 1904, Stairfoot had actually outgrown the older neighbouring village of Ardsley.

The demise of the industries during the 20th and early part of the 21st Century along with the railway and canal system, has led to the Stairfoot area becoming an extensive retail park. The old railway track bed forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT). The path of the old Dearne and Dove Canal has largely disappeared, although traces can still be found. The road system has changed dramatically with the introduction of the infamous Stairfoot Roundabout.

Transport and Industries

Canals
Railways
Linen Industry
Glass Industry
New Oaks Colliery
Brick Manufacturing
Tar Distillation
Sodom