It is situated on the south side of the Dearne Valley, between Barnsley and Rotherham.

The area is traditionally within Barnsley, but since 1 April 1974 was made part of Rotherham Metropolitan Council.

Brampton Bierlow is a former mining village, with employment primarily related to the coal industry; the economy declined after the closure of mines in the 1980s, which was, in part, sparked by the announcement of the closure of Cortonwood Colliery in the village.

declared one of the poorest areas in the European Union (before the 2004 expansion[further explanation needed]).

[citation needed] Steve Rothery, guitarist of the band Marillion, was born in Brampton.