Doncaster the Roman Fort town that outgrew its confines.
Originally, this place was nothing but a patch of land on the endless sea of grass that made up England… but before it was England. Originally, it wasn’t even called Doncaster, it was called Danum. This seems like as good a starting point as any to take a Five Minutes Spare look at the place.
Let’s talk Doncaster: what’s the history, what are the attractions, and how on earth do you get there? We know it all and, in a few moments, – you will too!
The Fort at Danum
Our story begins long ago and not so far away. The Romans invaded Britain around about 40 AD, smashing and bashing every army they met into submission along the way. They built two walls: the first belonged to Hadrian, the second was known as the Antonine wall. Both of these were to keep out the hated Scots… so not much has changed there, then.
(We’re joking, our writer is a Scot)
Anyway, the Romans built a fort called Danum in the place that Doncaster now stands. The fort was erected around 71 AD and would have been built in wood. The Roman army were adept at building and threw up roads all over the country, as well as wooden forts, housing, and all manner of useful things. It is worthwhile to note that several Roman structures around Europe are still standing. In England, however, much of their fabulous building work that was cast in stone has been worn away by the rain.
Not their fault.
The fort at Danum existed right through until the 4th century. That’s right – it might have been wooden, but it stood for a few hundred years. During that time it is likely they rebuilt in stone. The last Roman left Britain in 407 AD, meaning the fort at Danum was left abandoned. However, the locals loved a good fort since it offered protection from invading barbarians. So when the Romans left, a small village grew up. It was called Don Ceaster – with Ceaster a very common settlement title which meant ‘fort’ (later this developed into -chester). The Don part came from the River Don, of which the fort was erected at a passing place.
Doncaster would have bee important to the Romans purely because of where it is. When transferring goods north they needed to use the rivers, and they wouldn’t always have been able to cross the Humber. This made them scour the land for an alternative route to Lincoln and York. Interestingly, Danum was specifically mentioned in the Antonine Itinerary, so it would have been a main route whereby they sent soldiers to fight the horrid Scots.
Doncaster wasn’t Doncaster till the Middle Ages
It wasn’t! It would have remained Danum until relatively late in history. Scholars agree that it was listed as Cair Daun in the History of the Britons circa 900 AD. It was next mentioned a hundred years later in relation to the Anglo-Saxon nobleman Wulfric Spot. He was the King’s buddy and went on to own land up and down the country… so he must have been a favourite buddy.
The Norman Conquest of 1066 saw the town change hands again, this time to (you guessed it) the Normans. 20 years later, when King William ordered the Domesday Survey, it was recorded as having three owners and being in the Hundred of Strafforth, in the county of Yorkshire. It had 19.8 owners. We don’t know about the point 8… perhaps it was a teenager?
One owner was Count Robert of Mortain. This guy owned 40 freemen, 34 smallholders, a priest (a church) and 27 villagers. The land earned him 18 pounds – a princely sum back then – per year. He owned a second patch of Doncaster which earned him even more money, while the rest was owner by William of Percy. The Percy family had a long and sometimes terrifying association with the throne of England. If you have the time – or share their second name – you can read about them, here.
At any rate, Doncaster was huge during the middle ages. It was an important northern city on the brink of some even more important roads… it was also one of the last fortifications before you reached the atrocity that was the Scottish wilderness, which made it a refuge on both sides of the border.
You can read more about Middle Aged Doncaster on the online Domesday resource we use (here) if you are interested. Do come back afterwards though, we are about to discuss fun facts out of Doncaster, and you don’t want to miss it!
Doncaster Fun Facts!
So what interesting things have happened in this town over the years? We took a look to find our Five Minutes Spare favourite interesting and fun things to have happened here over the years.
- Doncaster is where the Yorkshire Wildlife Park is. This isn’t the fun fact though. The 400 animals and over 70 different species all in the heart of Yorkshire is what does that part.
- It has one of the oldest racecourses in the world and is famous throughout the globe for its horse racing history.
- The man that designed Westminster Cathedral was born in Doncaster. He was an exceedingly famous architect by the name of John Francis Bentley.
- St Peter’s Church is dated to 675 AD and is the oldest building in South Yorkshire. You can find it in the village of Conisbourgh, which falls under the Doncaster district.
- (This writer’s favourite point) Doncaster was signed over to Scotland in the Treaty of Durham by Kings Stephen of England and David of Scotland. Officially speaking, nobody ever gave it back. This makes Doncaster part of Scotland on a technicality. We’re pretty certain the people don’t want that title. Unfortunately, the Treaty of Durham still stands.
You can find some more interesting facts via Visit Doncaster. We’re about to dive into the history again though, so stay tuned.
Doncaster Through Time
Doncaster gained its first charter in its own name around 1194 from King Richard – the same one that had the trouble with his brother and the Sheriff of Nottingham. It was a market town thereafter – and a busy one at that. 1204 records a horrendous fire that destroyed most of town – so we know that it was still being built out of wood until that point.
A second charter was granted in 1248 that allowed a market around the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. This is the self-same market that still runs today at the Corn Exchange.
The 14th century saw friars arrive on the outskirts of town. In 1307 exactly the Franciscans arrived, a breed of friar that went out to preach to the people. They spread throughout England but tended to stick to places with high volumes of passing traffic. They would also take care of the sick and the poor; but mainly existed to spread the word of God.
It didn’t matter all that much because Henry VIII later closed all the monasteries, friaries and some of the churches, too.
More friars, these ones wearing different coloured robes, arrived in the 14th century and one of the two groups set up a leper colony and made themselves so popular in town… The Hospital of St. Nicholas was also established, a grammar school was built, and a five-arch bridge was added across the Don. In 1334 they had a bank (or the medieval equivalent, which was just one dude everybody trusted), a chapel, and was one of the most important towns in Yorkshire.
Until the plague came. The first plague, the Bubonic one, would have arrived in 1348/9 and decimated the population. It would have come in three waves, with septicaemia ultimately forming the last wave. While it was still recovering from this, it was a stopping place in the path of Robert Aske’s Tudor rebellion (which went nowhere).
The plague would come again in 1562, 82, 1604, 1606, and an outbreak of Typhoid came in 1700. After the Industrial Revolution they also suffered from the same episodes of Cholera and Smallpox that the rest of England had to endure. It is fair to say that the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak is nothing more than the next plague in line for the hardy souls living in Doncaster… but we digress.
King James I lay claim to the next occurrence of Doncaster in the history books when he allowed the town leaders to toll two of the bridges on the way into and out of town. Since it was still running the market this would have proven horrendous for many traders. Sometimes the rich don’t realise the cost of living for the poor. In 1628 the people revolted against the Levitt family’s tolls and the nobles sought Parliamentary help[i]. Parliament refused, figuratively called him a monster, and sent him on his way. There were no more tolls. Nevertheless, the name Levitt is synonymous with streets and buildings in the area, even now.
In 1664 Doncaster was surrounded by wealthy mansions and manor houses. The wealthy nobles of Yorkshire flocked to the beauty of the countryside and the slightly warmer climate in the south. King Charles was routed from London and hid in Yorkshire. The nobles rushed to provide support and cater to his every whim. As a result, the King made the town a Free Borough. This essentially granted the town permission to rule itself instead of being ‘owned’ by the king.
Before we move on to modern times, we want to pause a moment to appreciate the multitude of famous people that have come from Doncaster. Over the years, it has produced famous faces the likes of which other areas in the north can only dream of… let’s find out more.
Famous People from Doncaster
There are a boatload of famous folk out of Doncaster – some of which you won’t believe. Here are the Five Minutes’ favourites for famous faces from Doncaster. Dang. That would have been a great alliteration if your town started with an ‘f’.
- Jeremy Clarkson – probably the least likely Yorkshireman you have ever come across in your life, Jeremy comes from Doncaster. We’re not sure which part but we did say it was a rich area.
- Lesley Garrett CBE – singer, TV Presenter, Media star and all-round celebrity.
- Louis Tomlinson the pop singer is from Doncaster.
- So many pro footballers are from here – Chris Brown, Andy Butler, Mark Atkins and more – is there a super-coach or something?
- Roy Clarke – who you probably don’t know, but who wrote Keeping Up Appearances, and Last of the Summer Wine, among other things.
- Thomas Crapper – the toilet guy – that’s on you, Doncaster. That’s on you.
Not to be forgotten is Mr Bentley, the architect of Westminster Cathedral that we mentioned earlier[ii].
Now we have covered famous faces from Doncaster, let’s take a look at the more modern history of the town.
Contemporary Doncaster
At the beginning of the 19th century, Doncaster had a population of around 10,000. By 1951 that population was more than 50,000. Nowadays, it is three times this size. The population might have been higher if it wasn’t for all the plagues. The whole of the 1800s saw drastic changes that led to a full town[iii].
Piped water, around the 1830’s, was the first major change. A non-friar-based-hospital opened in ’53, and a library was added in ’69. 1849 – that’s 9 years after the south got the railway, which is pretty fast building in those days – saw the arrival of the railway between London and Edinburgh. The Corn Exchange building went up in the 19th century too but was burned down in the 1990’s and is largely replaced now.
In 1827 gas lights lit the streets, they would be replaced at the start of the 20th century with electric lighting. The same lights would have been replaced with eco friendly bulbs just recently. 1853 saw the establishment of the Great Northern Railway move its HQ into town. Jobs would have opened up; the town would have flourished. Trams followed, then museums, art galleries and eventually the shops and buildings we know today.
Doncaster got off pretty lightly through the wars in terms of bombing. They still sent their youngsters across the sea, but it was only bombed once. A tragedy struck in 1941 when parachute mines fell on the town. These were usually deadly bombs that were attached to parachutes. Soldiers would run to capture the ‘parachute user’ and it would explode on them. Sneaky, horrible, not something we should repeat.
Since then, several regeneration projects have revisited investment in the town centre. There is actually an 18th century mansion house there, so the town centre is understandably ancient and protected. Robin Hood airport was built, the Arndale Centre was added, and numerous shops and restaurants sprung up.
Let’s cut to the chase then, stop talking times-gone-by, and get to the best bits of Doncaster.
Doncaster Attractions
Some of the best things to do in Doncaster are listed below.
Historical Sights and Landmarks
This area of Yorkshire is teeming with manor houses and country holdings of the rich. Cusworth Hall is a nice example, although it is more of a museum nowadays. If you’d like to learn about noble Yorkshiremen and women, this is where you would go. Mansion House in the centre of town is another, but the whole region is strewn with great examples and greater days out.
One of the best known buildings in town is the Minster Church of St George. It has been around for a few hundred years and represents a striking example of stunning architecture. Another local landmark sight is Conisbrough Castle. Originally built in the 12th century, this partially restored ruin will make your day. We could spend endless hours wondering around here.
Let’s not forget Markham Grange Nursery and Steam Museum. This strange place mixes the history of steam power, the industrial revolution, and the plants we need to undo all the damage we did, all in one building. Frankly, we can’t recommend it highly enough. Learn about machinery and then buy some plants. What better way do you know of to spend an afternoon or five?
It’s not as odd as it sounds. Remember, the railway builders were stationed here for a while back in the 1800s.
Outdoor and Recreation
We mentioned the over 400 animals and 70+ species that you can find at Yorkshire Wildlife Park before – but talking about it will never do it real justice. Visit and see the bears yourself. Try not to be terrified. If animals don’t tickle your nature fancy then the Brodsworth Hall has gardens that are famous for miles around. They were built in the 1860’s as a pleasure garden which is not that unusual for the Victorians. It’s run by English Heritage and that hall is a true gem in English culture.
Animals are a bit of a theme for the youngsters of Doncaster. By which we mean that if you are looking for something to do with your kids, we can only hope they don’t have allergies. Check out Reptile Rendezvous if they are allergic to fur, however, to get around it. Watch out for the furry friend’s part. If you want a high class afternoon with your mother-in-law? Try Walker’s Nurseries and Garden Centre. There is a delightful tearoom in there that will help you eat your sorrow away.
Museums and Galleries
You will have a choice in museum and/or stately home. We already had a bash at some halls so let’s talk museums and galleries. South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum is in Doncaster and rightly so, since they are situated between all the airports. You can also visit Ashworth Barracks Museum, which is a former army barracks conversion. Both will teach you all you need to know on the subject and this area of England.
You have the Limited2 Art Gallery for fine art in the area but you also have the more generic option of mixing both into one at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery. They have an arts and crafts club kiddies love and some wonderful exhibits from locals… a significant portion of which are about horse racing.
Retail, Sports, and Other Such Things
Another great thing to do with the kids in Doncaster is to take them to Boston Farm and leave them to figure out the maize maze while you drink coffee and eat cake. You can try the Frenchgate Shopping Centre for a pleasant retail experience or, if you are feeling flush, try the Lakeside Village for fine shopping. You can still catch the traditional, part-open-air Doncaster Markets on the weekends, too.
Doncaster Rovers football club are the local team but there is a sports college, which might explain all the millions of footballers. You can find them in Keepmoat multipurpose stadium and you can even book a tour.
Doncaster has its own racecourse and exhibition centre – but it’s all about horses, not cars. They do a swift trade in business dealers and ladies who like pretty hats and champagne. Remember this is one of the oldest racecourses in the world (established circa 1600!).
How to Get There?
How do you get to the danged place? We gotcha…
By Road
It’s almost bang, slap, in the middle between Edinburgh and London. Doncaster is on the M18 and the A1.
By Rail
Doncaster Train Station is on the East Coast Main Line.
By Air
You have a few, Humber Airport, Robin Hood Airport or East Midlands Airport will all get you to Doncaster in the end.
By Sea
Follow the Don! Or try the Humber. If you have a boat, that is.
Got Five Minutes?
If you enjoyed our little five minute take on Doncaster, you could find plenty more mental sustenance on our site. The travel pages, in particular, are sure to spark your interest. Everyone has Five Minutes Spare right now… use yours to plan your next trip!
[i] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doncaster
[ii] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Doncaster
[iii] www.localhistories.org/doncaster.html
