Geograph - photograph every grid square

Parts of Oakwell Hall date from the 15th century but the present building is largely due to John Batt in 1583, with some further modifications in the 17th century. In the 19th century it was used as a boarding school. When Charlotte Bronte lived at nearby Hartshead, she allegedly used Oakwell as the basis for 'Fieldhead' in the novel 'Shirley' (Fieldhead is in fact a local name for part of Birstall). The hall and its outbuildings are listed grade I (list entry 11344609) and now operated as a museum by Kirklees council (open at weekends).

The grounds, along with the site of a former colliery and railway line, form Oakwell Country Park covering 45 hectares of woodland and open fields, which has a separate free car park. There are nature trails and a mountain bike route.