In 1928, local businessmen Sir Henry Norman Rae and John Earl Sharman bought Oakwell Hall and gave it to Birstall Urban District Council, which is now part of Kirklees. The Hall opened as a museum in 1929, allowing the public to explore its history and see how people lived in the past.
In the 1980s, the surrounding Country Park and Visitor Centre were created. This followed the restoration of the nearby Gomersal Colliery site, as well as farmland and farm buildings. Then, in 1989, Oakwell Hall was redisplayed to show it as the 17th-century home of John Batt III, helping visitors imagine life in late Stuart England.
Today, Oakwell Hall is a museum and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the Hall, the gardens, and the Country Park to learn about life in Stuart England, the changing history of the local area, and its connections to national events.
Its story shows how buildings and communities change over time, reflecting both local traditions and the wider history of England.
