One of South Yorkshire’s most historic and unique properties is about to go under the hammer, offering a rare chance to own a piece of medieval history. The Mill of the Black Monks, located on Grange Lane in Barnsley, is officially heading to auction later this month with a guide price of £300,000. Far from a standard commercial property sale, this Grade II-listed sandstone building dates back to 1150, making it one of the oldest in-use buildings in Barnsley and one of the oldest pubs in the UK.
Built by Monks, Restored for Pints
The property’s origins are deeply tied to the region’s religious history. It was originally constructed as a working watermill by Cluniac monks from the nearby Monk Bretton Priory. Powered by the River Dearne, the mill spent centuries grinding corn to sustain the monastic community. When Henry VIII forcefully pushed through the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s, the mill was stripped from the church and transitioned into private hands. Incredibly, it remained a functional, working mill for hundreds of years.
By the 1980s, the historic structure underwent a massive, award-winning restoration spearheaded by local architect Malcolm Lister. Today, it operates as a thriving, character-packed pub and restaurant that wears its history firmly on its sleeve. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The property still retains an abundance of its original architectural features, including spectacular open-beamed roofs, grand original fireplaces, the historic iron pulley system once used to move the heavy millstones, and centuries-old graffiti carved directly into the structure by the former millers who worked the site across the ages.
What is Included in the Sale?
The auction isn’t just for the pub building itself; the lot sits on a generous 1.3-acre site that offers major versatility for an investor. The sale includes the fully operational Grade II-listed pub and restaurant building, a large private car park, and spacious outdoor beer garden seating areas. Additionally, a completely separate, two-storey stone-built house is located on-site, which is perfectly suited for a manager’s accommodation, a private residential let, or a lucrative holiday rental.
For anyone looking to take over, the business comes with an incredibly stable setup. The pub is currently occupied by an existing tenant on a 10-year lease, meaning a buyer will secure immediate, guaranteed rental yields from day one.
Auction Details
The historic property is being marketed by BTG Eddisons Property Auctions as part of their next multi-lot timed online event. Bidding officially opens on Monday, 27th July 2026, and will close the following day on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, with the guide price firmly set at £300,000.
Located less than three miles from Barnsley town centre and sitting right on the doorstep of the region’s major transport networks, it represents a truly one-of-a-kind investment. For full registration details, legal packs, or to arrange a viewing before bidding opens, visit the BTG Eddisons Property Auctions website.
