Doncaster

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For other places with the same name, see Doncaster (disambiguation).
Doncaster

Coordinates: 53.5157° N 1.1327° W

Doncaster (South Yorkshire)
Doncaster
Doncaster shown within South Yorkshire
Population 286,866 (2001 Census[1]
OS grid reference SE5702
Metropolitan borough Doncaster
Metropolitan county South Yorkshire
Region Yorkshire and the Humber
Constituent country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town DONCASTER
Postcode district DN1-DN12
Dial code 01302
Police South Yorkshire
Fire South Yorkshire
Ambulance Yorkshire
UK Parliament Doncaster Central
Doncaster North
Don Valley
European Parliament Yorkshire and the Humber
List of places: UK • England • Yorkshire

Doncaster is a town in South Yorkshire, England and the principal settlement of the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster. The town is located approximately twenty miles from Sheffield and is popularly referred to by some of its residents as Donny.

The Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster has frequently applied for city status but despite Doncaster's size and history, it has yet to be given the title. Doncaster boasts a new International airport and its centre is undergoing massive regeneration including the development of an Education City campus, the largest budget education investment of its kind in the UK.

According to the 2001 census the urban sub-area of Doncaster had a population of 67,977 - together with Bentley, Armthorpe and Kirk Sandall it forms an urban area with a population of 127,851. The wider Metropolitan Borough has a population of around 290,000.

Contents

[edit] Geography, demographics and regeneration

It is the 15th largest population centre in the UK outside London and its origins lie in Roman times. The borough flourished as a communications centre and expanded dramatically due to the coal mining industry. Following the closure of the coal mines in the 1970s and 1980s, the town is now very much used by new tertiary industries due to its good communications links with the rest of the UK - situated as Doncaster is on the A1(M) and M18 motorways, and within 20 minutes of the key M1 and M62 motorways - and its central location. Doncaster is also a railway town and a GNER hub, serving the East Coast Mainline.

The town has grown from its original size many times over, but since this time, the traditional industrial housing in the town centre has been removed to make way for new commercial ventures. Central Doncaster is now very much a commercial district, and is surrounded by the traditional industrial housing that was once prevalent in the town centre. The town centre has undergone extensive regeneration in recent years with massive private and public investment taking place, this has thus far been deemed a success, however the decreasing levels of unemployment across the borough remain higher than the national average.

New developments, both ongoing and completed include the Doncaster Education City - a massive public investment program bringing a new campus to the town for the Doncaster College, the Lakeside redevelopment - an expansion to the Lakeside Village outlet and the Frenchgate Interchange - a huge investment program to unify the bus and rail stations with the Frenchgate Centre, Doncaster's largest town centre shopping centre. The extension to the centre and the new bus station opened on 8 June 2006, from whence all bus routes started to use the station, which provides easy access to rail services and the shopping centre. The new shopping areas are likely to attract new investment.

Doncaster is asserting its weight in the region with developments such as a new international airport, Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield which opened in 2005, and the regeneration of the central business district. Recent developments include a new community sports stadium for sports teams such as Doncaster Rovers, Doncaster Belles and Doncaster Lakers, which was completed in late 2006.

Doncaster is home to one of the oldest and largest racecourses in the country. In 2005, Doncaster Racecourse closed temporarily to enable the re-development of the stands and facilities by Arena Leisure Plc. The new facility is expected to feature world-class facilities, built in hotels and business capable facilities extending Doncaster's grip both in this sport and corporate leisure.

[edit] History

[edit] Roman heritage

Doncaster (DANVM) positioned on the 'Alternative Route Ermine Street'
Doncaster (DANVM) positioned on the 'Alternative Route Ermine Street'

Doncaster (or DANVM as called during Roman times) is located at 53°31′N, 1°8′W - the site of a Roman fort which was built in the 1st century A.D. at the site of a crossing across the River Don. The Roman empirical command of Ninius called this fort "Caer Daun". Later the commands of Antoninus Pius and Notitia called this fort Danum, from which the town derives the Don part of its name; caster was from the Roman word for "fort". Doncaster was home to the Roman Crispinian horse garrison. The cavalry took its name from Crispus, son of Constantine the Great. Crispus, son of the Emperor, lived at Danum (Doncaster) whilst his father lived 40 miles further north at Eboracum (York). In truth, much of Doncaster's Roman past remains to be discovered.

The Doncaster garrison units are named in the Notitia Dignitatum or 'Register of Dignitaries', produced around the turn of the fifth century near the end of Roman rule in Britain. This important administrative document contains - among other things - the name of almost every military unit in the Roman empire, also the name of their respective garrison towns. The garrison unit was originally recruited from among the tribespeople living near the town of Crispiana in Upper Pannonia, near Zirc in the Bakony region of western Hungary. The fact that Doncaster is included, highlights the importance placed by the Romans on the Doncaster. The Doncaster entry is listed under the command of the Dux Britanniarum or the 'Duke of the Britons'. Doncaster provided an alternative direct land route between Lincoln and York. The main route between Lincoln and York was in fact Ermine Street which meant crossing the River Humber in boats. For obvious reasons this was not always practical and thus Doncaster became an important staging post on the Roman map.

The Roman road through Doncaster appears on two routes recorded in the Antonine Itinerary. The itinera include the same section of road between Lincoln and York, and list three stations along the route in-between these two coloniae. Iter VII and Iter VIII is entitled "the route from York to London". The section below showing distances from Iter VIII.

The Roman Road from York to Lincoln
Roman Town Modern Name Miles
Eboraco YORK Start
Lagecio Castleford XXI
Dano DONCASTER XVI
Ageloco Littleborough XXI
Lindo LINCOLN XIII

A route through the North Derbyshire hills was opened up sometime in the latter half of the first century A.D., possibly by the militaristic governor Gnaeus Julius Agricola during the late seventies, although the first section of the road to the Doncaster fort had probably been in existence since the early fifties.

Today, there are several areas of known intense archaeological interest however many, in particular St Sepulchre Gate, remain hidden under buildings. The Roman Fort is believed to have been located on the site that is now St George's Minster next to the [River Don].

[edit] Anglo-Saxon Times

During the 7th Century Doncaster formed part of the Celtic Meicen Kingdom. The primary settlement of this Kingdom was Hatfield a small town to the North Eastern side of Doncaster adopted by King Aethelfrith. During this time the language would have been Celt (or Welsh as we would call it today). The two Kingdoms Loidis (near Leeds) and Meicen (near Doncaster) followed a Celt speaking line that derived across the Pennines.

[edit] Early and Medieval History

Map showing the boundary of the fortified Medieval township of Doncaster with four 'Gates
Map showing the boundary of the fortified Medieval township of Doncaster with four 'Gates

The town was rebuilt by the Normans after William I took the throne. The Normans also built a castle at nearby Conisbrough.

As the 12th century approached, Doncaster matured into a busy town and in 1194 King Richard I granted Doncaster national recognition with a Royal Charter. During the Middle Ages Doncaster evolved further and it was then later in 1204 that Doncaster suffered and recovered from a disastrous fire. At this time, buildings were built of wood and fire was a constant hazard.

In 1248, a charter was granted for Doncaster Market and some 750 years on, the market still exists with its busy stalls located both outside and under cover. The market also occupies the 19th Century 'Corn Exchange' Building, opened in 1873[2] and extensively rebuilt in 1996 after a major fire.

Today, many Doncaster streets are named 'gate'. The word 'gate' is derived from the old Danish word 'gata' which meant street. During Medieval times, craftsmen or tradesmen with similar skills, tended to live in the same street. Baxter is an ancient word for baker thereby confirming that Baxtergate was indeed the baker's street. It is assumed that 'Frenchgate' may be named after French speaking Normans who settled on this street.

The medieval township of Doncaster is known to have been protected by earthern ramparts and ditches leaving four substantial gates as entrances to the Town. These gates were located at Hall Gate, St Mary's Bridge (old), St Sepulchre Gate and Sunny Bar. Today the gates at Sunny Bar are commemoratated by huge 'Boar Gates', similarly, the entrance to St Sepulchre Gate is also commemorated, this time with white marble 'Roman Gates'. The boundary of the Town principally extended from the River Don, along what is now, Market Road, Silver Street, Cleveland Street and Printing Office Street.

During the 14th century numbers of friars arrived in Doncaster who were known for their religious enthusiasm and preachings. In 1307 Franciscan friars arrived and they were called grey friars because of the colour of their costumes. Carmelites or white friars arrived in the middle of the 14th century.

During the 16th and 17th centuries the town of Doncaster continued to expand. This was despite several outbreaks of plague from 1562 until 1606. Each time the plague struckdown significant numbers of Doncaster's population.

[edit] First English Civil War

During the campaign of the First English Civil War, King Charles I marched by Bridgnorth, Lichfield and Ashbourne to Doncaster, where on the 18 August 1645 he was met by great numbers of Yorkshire gentlemen who had rallied to his cause. On the 2nd May 1664 Doncaster was later rewarded with the title of 'Free Borough' by way of the King expressing his gratitude for Doncaster's allegiance.

[edit] Horse Racing

From around the 16th century, Doncaster embraced the wealthy stagecoach trade. This led to horse breeding in Doncaster, which in turn led to the start of horse races there. There is evidence that horse races were held in Doncaster as far back as the early 17th century, but it is the St. Leger Stakes, first held in 1776, which makes the town's races famous. Today, Doncaster's St. Leger Stakes run at Doncaster Racecourse remains the oldest classic horse race in the world. The racecourse itself is currently closed and undergoing massive refurbishment with the building of a new grandstand, exhibition centre, stables and bloodstock sales. It is due to reopen in August 2007 in time for the St Leger meeting.

Saint George's Minster, Doncaster with a floral representation of the saint in front of it
Saint George's Minster, Doncaster with a floral representation of the saint in front of it
12th Century Conisbrough Castle, open to the public and property of English Heritage
12th Century Conisbrough Castle, open to the public and property of English Heritage

Doncaster is traditionally very wealthy. The borough itself was known for its rich land owners with vast estates and huge stately homes such as Brodsworth Hall, Cantley Manor, Nether Hall, Wheatley Hall, Hickleton Hall and Cusworth Hall. This wealth is evidenced in the luxurious and historic gold guilted 18th century Mansion House which resides on High Street. This land ownership developed what is an ancient Market place and huge 18th century Corn Exchange building. Perhaps the most striking building is St George's Minster (until recently, a Parish Church).

Doncaster was already a communications centre at this time. Doncaster sat on the Great North Road or A1, due to its strategic geographical importance and essentially Roman inheritance. This was the primary route for all traffic from London to Edinburgh and Doncaster cashed in on its location.

[edit] Coal and Industrial Expansion

The late 18th century to 20th century saw Doncaster emerge as an Industrial Centre. Using its communication links and in particular waterways Doncaster became extremely busy and saw vast migration to its centre. Underneath Doncaster lies huge natural resource by way of deep seam Coal. It was Coal that prompted Doncaster's exponential population growth. The waterways, River Don and Don Navigation were used to transport coal from Doncaster to the steel production centres at Rotherham, Sheffield and Scunthorpe.

With coal mining came secondary and tertiary industries:

  • Large scale glass production soon followed using coal to fire the furnaces. Several high-quality specialist glass manufacturers remain to this day.
  • A production facility for chemical polymers - hydrocarbon compounds produced from coal and oil - was built on Wheatley Hall Road. It changed hands numerous times during its existence until closure (by DuPont) in the mid-1990s.
  • Steel foundries, rolling mills and wire mills were built close to the railways that brought steel from Sheffield and Rotherham. British Ropes (now Bridon) produce wire rope, including the ropes used at coal mines to haul coal and miners.

[edit] The Railways & Locomotive Works

Continuing the Industrial Revolution, the railway came to Doncaster, and the Great Northern Railway Locomotive and Carriage Building Works was established there. The reasons for this were due to Doncaster's communication links, the necessity to transport coal quickly and efficiently and Doncaster's expertise in specialist metal products. An extensive housing programme was undertaken to cater for the increase in the population. The Chairman of the Great Northern, anxious about their spiritual welfare, persuaded the directors to contribute towards the building of St. James' Church, which became known as the "Plant Church". The railway also built St. James' School. The Doncaster Plant became famous for building LNER 4-6-2 locomotives Mallard and the Flying Scotsman, as well as many thousands more locomotives. Today, the town retains a key station on the East Coast line running from London to Scotland.

During World War I and World War II, the rail industry gave way to munitions building. In the early part of the 20th century Doncaster became one of the largest coal mining areas in the country, with the industry employing more people in the area than anything else. However, along with many other areas, a large number of mining jobs were lost in the late 1980s, and several pits closed. Today, coal mining has been all but eliminated from the area, with only a handful of collieries surviving. The demise of Coal saw a cascade effect which saw the removal of many other tertiary industries however several companies diversified and can still be seen today.

[edit] Tractor Production

In 1946 International Harvester started the production of agricultural implements at a factory in the Carr Hill area of Doncaster. The first tractor built at the factory was a Farmall M, which came off the production line in 1949. Initially tractors were built from parts shipped from the USA, but by 1960 the factory was making a range of tractors from scratch, designed specifically for British and European markets, and sold under the 'McCormick International' name. In 1983 tractor production was moved to IH's other Doncaster factory at Wheatley Hall. This plant was taken over by Case, who continued to design and build its European tractor range in Doncaster. In 2000, the factory was purchased by ARGO SpA, an Italian-based agricultural equipment builder. Today, Doncaster is the sole production site of McCormick Tractors, and the factory employs around 380 people (although approximately 1100 people are employed in the worldwide McCormick group). In December 2006, the parent company ARGO Spa, announced that the Doncaster facility was to close in Mid-2007 with the loss of around 325 jobs. Much to the dismay of trade union officials and local news, the announcement was made heartlessly only 1 week before Christmas. When the factory closes, 61 years of tractor production history in Doncaster will come to an end as the production of the tractors is moved to Italy.

[edit] Sport

More recently, the town has sought to reinvent itself, primarily as a commercial and leisure centre. Its horse races remain very famous, and the town also has a men's football club, Doncaster Rovers F.C., and one of the most successful women's football clubs in the country, Doncaster Belles L.F.C. Its highest ranked men's sport club is the Doncaster Lakers Rugby League Football Club (formerly known as Doncaster Dragons RLFC) who have played consistently in rugby league's National League One. The Doncaster Knights Rugby Football Club has shown success in recent years, following the regeneration of their facilities, part-funded by the National Lottery

[edit] Logistical Hub

Due to its proximity to major urban centres and Motorway/Rail infrastructure, Doncaster is home to a number or major distribution centres. These include an International Rail Freight Centre at Black Bank where freight is transported to Europe by Rail. Huge warehousing & logistic capabilities for retailers such as TESCO, IKEA, Exel & Faberge also exist. One location in particular is the B&Q Distribution Centre at Redhouse A1(M) Junction 38 which is the largest freestanding Warehouse in the UK. A significant proportion of fresh and frozen goods for Northern Supermarkets are dispatched by road from here.

On March 5, 2004, Doncaster was granted Fairtrade Town status.

[edit] Twin towns

[edit] Aviation

Doncaster has an International airport, Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, which opened on April 28, 2005, on the former Royal Air Force station of RAF Finningley, in Doncaster.

[edit] Aviation History of Doncaster

[edit] RFC Doncaster/RAF Doncaster/Doncaster Airport

Main article: RAF Doncaster

In 1909 Doncaster Racecourse was chosen as the venue for an airshow, after the world's first air display in Rheims in 1908. All the world's leading aviators were present. Samuel F. Cody (no relation to William F.Cody) in an attempt to win a prize offered by The Daily Mail for the first British pilot in a British aeroplane to fly a circular mile signed British naturalisation papers in front of the crowd with the band playing both the Star Spangled Banner and the National Anthem. Unfortunately, he crashed his British Army Aeroplane No.1 whilst taxiing.

During World War I fighters based first from the race course, then a temporary airstrip near Finningley (later RAF Finningley and now Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield International Airport) and finally, in 1916, from a newly built airfield alongside the race course, were deployed to defend the east coast against Zeppelins. On a number of occasions fighters took off to search for the intruders but none were ever seen. The Royal Flying Corps station trained pilots for the war in France. Within months of the war ending the entire station was put up for sale and two of its three Belfast hangars, the same type of hangar that now forms the basis for the Royal Air Force museum at Hendon, were sold to a Sheffield motor manufacturing company for storage and assembly at Finningley. The third of the hangars stayed in place, mainly housing buses, until the 1970s when it was knocked down and replaced with modern buildings.

In 1920 the Government asked local authorities to assist in the formation of a chain of airfields so the country would not lag behind other nations in the provision of civil air services. Doncaster took heed and, with expert advice from Alan Cobham, on 26 May 1934, opened a grandly called 'aviation centre'. Development of the airfield continued and on 1 July 1936 an international service was opened to Amsterdam. On 1 November 1938, after long discussions with the Air Ministry, 616 (South Yorkshire) fighter Squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force was formed. Shortly after the outbreak of war in 1939 the squadron went to its battle station and played an honourable part in the Battle of Britain. After the departure of 616 squadron its place was taken by the formation of 271 (Transport) Squadron composed mainly of requisitioned civilian aircraft and obsolescent twin engined bombers. 616 squadron should be noted as the first Allied jet fighter squadron, who were equipped with the Gloster Meteor. In 1944, after being re-equipped with Dakotas, the squadron moved south to take part in operation 'Overlord' and later in the airborne invasion at Arnhem where Flight Lieutenant David Lord was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

After the war the airfield reverted to civilian flying and finally closed in 1992.

[edit] RAF Finningley

Main article: RAF Finningley

RAF Finningley was home to the Finningley Airshow for over three decades. The show was England's premier airshow and featured such aircraft as Concorde, RAF Vulcans and the Red Arrows. For around 20 years it was the largest Aircrew Training facility in the RAF.

[edit] Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Main article: Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield

Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport is a new airport that commenced operation on April 28, 2005. It followed the re-development of the former R.A.F. base on the site, RAF Finningley, that closed in 1994. The airport serves many destinations through principal carrier Thomsonfly as well as several others. It features one of the longest and widest runways in the country due to its history carrying Cold War nuclear Vulcan bombers in its previous life.

During the first year of operation, the airport had handled over 900,000 passengers.

[edit] Famous people

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

[edit] References and notes

  1. ^ http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=276792&c=Doncaster&d=13&e=16&g=363688&i=1001x1003x1004&o=1&m=0&enc=1
  2. ^ http://public-art.shu.ac.uk/pmsa/doncaster/00000046.htm Corn Exchange Public Art (with details of construction date)
  3. ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0035605/ IMDB page on Alun Armstrong
  4. ^ http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/Leisure_in_Doncaster/Sports_and_games/lakeside_sports_complex/Choose_a_name.asp
  5. ^ BBC South Yorkshire, £1m makeover for Goldthorpe's theatre. Url accessed on 14 July 2006.
  6. ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000306/
  7. ^ University of St Andrews MacTutor profile shows he worked in Doncaster
  8. ^ Wisden Cricketer profile of Liam Botham
  9. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A8248241
  10. ^ Tony Christie at his own site
  11. ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0165087/
  12. ^ http://www.swopnet.com/geo_mileshome/Thomas_Crapper.html
  13. ^ http://www.hd.org/Adam/TFTC/C.html
  14. ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1734956.stm
  15. ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1043326/
  16. ^ BBC Sport Fact file. Url accessed 14 July 2006.
  17. ^ http://www.johnmclaughlin.com
  18. ^ http://www.donny.co.uk/Doncaster/news/index.php3?ID=450
  19. ^ http://www.munich58.co.uk/victims/pegg/index.asp
  20. ^ http://207.44.242.20/newsletter/issue57/
  21. ^ BBC South Yorkshire, Meet... Dame Diana Rigg. Url accessed on 14 July 2006.

[edit] External links


Ceremonial county of South Yorkshire
Metropolitan districts: City of Sheffield • Metropolitan Borough of Rotherham • Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster • Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley
Cities/Towns: Adwick le Street • Anston • Armthorpe • Askern • Aughton • Barnsley • Bawtry • Birdwell • Beighton • Bentley • Chapeltown • Conisbrough • Cudworth • Darfield • Darton • Dinnington • Dodworth • Doncaster • Finningley • Great Houghton • Grimethorpe • Harthill • Hatfield • Highlane • Hoyland Nether • Kirk Sandall • Maltby • Mexborough • Moorends • Mosborough • Norton • Oughtibridge • Penistone • Rawmarsh • Rossington • Rotherham • Royston • Scholes • Sheffield City Centre • Stainforth • Stocksbridge • Swinton • Thorne • Thorpe Hesley • Thurcroft • Thurnscoe • Tickhill • Todwick • Treeton • Wales • Wath upon Dearne • Wharncliffe Side • Wombwell • Woodsetts • Worsbrough
See also: List of civil parishes in South Yorkshire
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