The name "Farnley" indicates that the village was first established in an area heavy with ferns.

To the south of the village lies Farnley Hall, a stately home built by John Carr.

The house has a rich history, being associated with names such as Fairfax, Cromwell, and Turner.

[2] A selection of Turner's works from the Farnley Hall collection were sold in 1890 for £25,000.

[3] The primary school in Farnley is occasionally used as a location for filming the soap opera Emmerdale.