Video: A piece of industrial history nailed down

But Hoylandswaine Nail Forge, the only remaining example of a nail-making factory in Barnsley, is set to open its doors next weekend as one of almost 400 historic properties across Yorkshire and the Humber taking part in Heritage Open Days.

The event, which runs from Thursday, September 9, to Sunday, September 12, is run by an army of volunteers and supported by English Heritage.

The English Heritage outreach manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, Helen Keighley, said: "There is a Heritage Open Day attraction around every corner, each with a compelling story to tell, and staffed by volunteers who are passionate about their buildings, neighbourhoods and heritage.

"The range of properties opening this year is quite remarkable. But there are also scores of hands-on activities, from bell ringing to poetry and fun and games with a historical theme. There really is something for all ages."

Better known for its coal and linen industries, the Barnsley area was also formerly a major producer of nails, boasting more than 50 such forges in the small village of Hoylandswaine alone.

Fighting against mechanisation, the last of the village's nail makers only quit in the 1940s. Big bellows and the original forge make the Hoylandswaine Nail Forge unique in the UK and one of South Yorkshire's chief attractions next weekend, not least because it opens its doors so rarely.

Other highlights of the Heritage Open Days programme will include the chance to learn the ropes and become a bellringer in Hull.

Enthusiast Chris Baxter, 43, spends his days working in information technology, but when he logs off he rings the bells in 14th century St Mary's Church, in Lowgate.

He and his fellow ringers helped save the church's 300-year-old bells to mark the millennium and, since then, they have rung out across the city each Sunday.

Mr Baxter said: "We'll be inviting folk to have a go for themselves and, you never know, some of them might get hooked.

"These days we get all kinds of people bell ringing, from a publican to engineers and doctors. It's the ultimate way to unwind and helps keep alive a very long tradition."

Meanwhile in Cottingley, near Bingley, visitors will be able to see the fake pictures created by young girls who made international news during the First World War, by claiming they had seen fairies.

The hoax was eventually laid bare – but not before snaring Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle.

In Sheffield, the listed Town Hall will be open for tours of rooms including the council chamber and the Lord Mayor's parlour.

The Lord Mayor, Coun Alan Law, who will be meeting tour groups on the day, said: "If you have never been in the Town Hall before, this a fantastic opportunity to take a tour around this beautiful Victorian listed building."

Other attractions include a display of vintage prams in Hull, and the chance to try traditional skills including lime-pointing, cobbling and slating at Howsham Mill Heritage Skills Workshop in York.

In Fulneck, Leeds, the listed Moravian Church is opening its doors to allow visitors to view its archives going back to the 1840s.

Further details on those places opening their doors next weekend are available on the Heritage Open Days website at

www.heritageopendays.org.uk or by calling the information line on 020 75397907.