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A brief history of Doncaster

Doncaster is believed to have been inhabited early in time. The town sprung from a site where a Roman fort was built in the first century. This is specifically found at a crossing of the River Don. The fort was known as Danum.

The road leading to the fort is believed to have been built in the early 50s, while Governor Gn. Julius Agricola is thought to have been the one to open the route in the 70s for people to access the fort. Doncaster, then, provided a land route between York and Lincoln alternatively. The main route was Ermine Street.

There are numerous archaeological places and objects in town. The Roman fort talked about earlier is believed to be covered by St. George’s Minister today. In 1971, an important object was retrieved from the Danum fort’s site. This was the Danum shield.

In addition, there was also an altar in honour of the Matres by Marcus Nantonius Orbiotalus. This was found in 1781 and can be found at St. Sepulchre gate. However, in 1856, it was donated to the Yorkshire Museum.

The name Doncaster came from Don or Donne and caster which means military camp or fort. This was an Anglo-Saxon burh when Doncaster received its name.

The Conisbrough Castle was constructed a little after the Norman Conquest. The construction happened after the refortification of the town by Nigel Fossard.

Historian David Hey believes that trade existed in town because the street name Frenchgate serves as evidence that Fossard invited Normans to exchange goods.

In the Treaty of Durham, Doncaster was then ceded to Scotland, and England never formally had Doncaster again.

Doncaster became a busy town before and during the 13th century. In 1194, a town charter was given to Doncaster by King Richard I.

However, there were also challenges during the time for Doncaster. Because wood was mainly used for the buildings and houses, fire was a constant hazard. In 1204, Doncaster experienced a disastrous fire, but it has recovered.

During the 16th century, Doncaster’s town hall was the Church of St Mary Magdalene, but demolition happened in 1846. Doncaster’s market continued to operate at the Corn Exchange building during the 19th century, and this building was rebuilt in 1994 after a major fire damaged it.

Several friars came to Doncaster in the 14th century. By 1334, Doncaster was known as the wealthiest town in the county.

Doncaster was recovering from the Black death by 1379, and this has affected the population of the town; the population decreased.

In 1618, the Levetts tried to build a monopoly in Doncaster, but the population refused and revolted in 1628.

Expansion happened in the 16th and 17th centuries even though there were trials and obstacles along the way.