In Saxon, the name "Feld" describes 'a large area of pasture land' , while the term "Dere" refers to the deer which inhabited the forest.

In that year, two mining companies sank shafts in the Barnsley district to exploit the rich seam of coal running through the area.

Two village chemists are based inside the local doctors' surgery and on Snape Hill Road.

Four pubs survive in the village; Cross Keys, Queen Victoria, the Darfield and the Sportsman Inn.

Also, both Wombwell and Goldthorpe railway stations are within easy reach of Darfield where connections can be made to Sheffield, Meadowhall, Wakefield and Leeds.

The distinctive original club house and ground still remain on Church Street opposite Darfield Library.

[citation needed] Its nearest professional football club is Barnsley F.C., which is based near the centre of the metropolitan borough.