Askern

The area of the fishing lake and the surrounding wetland area have dominated much of the town's history, starting from the settlements at Sutton Common and continuing through to the spa of the Victorian era.

Askern, a small farming village, became known locally for its waters in the 18th century when Dr Short, in his book Mineral Waters of Yorkshire, refers to the waters as having a most unpleasant odour and taste.

During the 19th century Askern started to gain a reputation as having water with healing properties. At this time the lords of the manor built the first bathhouse called Manor Baths. After this other baths were built, until in the late 19th century Askern had earned the title of Spa, and had 5 bathhouses; and the water could also be taken at the Spa Hydropathic Establishment.

Askern came to be the place to stay, and the railway was built to enable people from across the Pennines to come and partake of the healing waters. Many people were now coming to Askern by road and rail. Hotels were being built and guesthouses lined Station Road and Moss Road.

Then in the early years of the 20th century the quest for coal identified a good seam of coal near Askern. It was decided to access the coal from a mine built above the village, and with the mine came the people to build it. As the mine opened the new village was built to house the workers and their families. This new population was at odds with the well-to-do visitors. As the First World War started, the death knell was sounded for Askern Spa and the spa visitors declined to no more than a few regulars.

Once again Askern changed direction and became a thriving pit village, which welcomed people from all over the country to work and live in the area, giving the town a mixed background. The mine's coal was regarded as highest quality, and the opening of the Coalite works confirmed Askern as a place of high employment and a pleasant environment to live in. This however changed as the Coalite plant pushed more smoke and fumes into the atmosphere.