The Area

Colloquially ‘Barton’ for short, is historically rural market town is situated on the South Bank of the tidal River Humber at the northern extremity of North Lincolnshire Wolds.  Barton lies between Scunthorpe to the West, Grimsby and the industrial areas of Humber Bank to the East and Brigg to the South. The picturesque Humber Toll Bridge (1,410m) crosses the river to East Yorkshire with the major city of Kingston upon Hull, colloquially ‘Hull’.

Barton has convenient road links to the national network via A15, M180, M18, A63 and M62.  Rail links are from Barton station via Humber bank local stations to Cleethorpes.  National network rail stations can be conveniently accessed from Barnetby, Scunthorpe, Brough and Hull.  There is a regular Stagecoach/EYMS bus service to Hull and Scunthorpe as well as others to local villages.   There are coach services to London from Scunthorpe and Hull.

Barton is in the Parliamentary Constituencyof Cleethorpes and the MP is Martin Vickers (C).  Barton has its own Town Council but the principal local unitary authority is North Lincolnshire Council with offices in Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barton.  Serving a population of 11,066 ( 2011 census figures) public facilities include a comprehensive library, Local Link information and advice centre, post office, fire ambulance stations, as well as St. John ambulance, a leisure centre/swimming pool and community hubs. The town abounds with community local interest and caring groups, clubs, arts and sports organisations major Christian denominations are fully represented.

Historic brick, tile, cement and chemical works along the Humber Bank areas have been developed into extensive country and wildlife habitats for the enjoyment of walkers, cyclists, bird watchers, dinghy sailors and windsurfers or a relaxed time out.

Barton-upon-Humber and area has a fascinating historic heritage supported by a Conservation Area as many buildings are listed as being of Historic or Architectural interest.  (See Heritage section).

Facilities

There are three primary schools, one Specialist Technology College,  nurseries, pre and after school facilities, an adult and other education centre, youth club, Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Army Cadets.

Local, mainly privately owned, shops including butchers and greengrocers cluster in the fairly compact area of Market Place/Lane, George Street, King Street, High Street/Junction Square and Fleetgate. There are supermarkets, open all hours shops and a good variety of local goods suppliers and services. Many Bartonians serve on community organisations including Rotary Club and Lions International.  This year the town will host tto food festivals, dates to be arranged.  Barton has several fine historic pubs, licensed clubs, two hotels, many restaurants and a variety of takeaway services.

History

With demonstrable Saxon and Roman roots, rural Barton later became a commercial centre with a Medieval Charter Market and a society moulded around its two major churches and the Royal Manor of Barton. The importance of Barton-upon-Humber was enhanced by major river freight facilities afforded by the River Humber so the town expanded through trade and shipbuilding, latterly developing brick and tile works, a ropery, whiting mills, tannery, maltings, quarries in 20C, now disappeared cement, chemical and famous Hopper cycle works.  The town now has two industrial areas and a mixed, mainly residential, economy.

Events

There are many significant entertainments, events and activities throughout the year. Annually, visitors and Bartonians enjoy The Barton Musical Theatre Company (previously BADAOS)  light operatic performance (Feb), Lions Beer Festival (May), an Arts Festival (June/July), Rotary’s Humber Half Marathon (June), Barton’s internationally famous Bike Night (July), Picnic in the Park (usually the first Sunday in August), Lion’s Guy Fawkes Bonfire (November) and Barton Town Council’s Christmas Festival (November).

Details of all organisations referred to are set out in the menus (above)