Doncaster

Think of Doncaster and what springs to mind? Perhaps railways, horse racing and an international airport would be top of the list. Coal mining, glass, rope and tractor making have also played a part in the town's past, but did you know of its fame for confectionery? Yes, many high profile sweet makers started in Doncaster in the 19th and 20th centuries including Parkinson's the Butterscotch inventors, Nuttalls Mintoes and Murray Mints.

Industry was attracted to Doncaster for many reason, but in particular its location on the River Don, a major railway and the Great North Road (A1), which at one time ran straight through the town centre.

Brodsworth Hall (English Heritage)

However it's not all industry in the area, and over the years Doncaster has not been without its prosperity. The area had many rich landowners with vast estates and grand homes such as Brodsworth Hall, Cantley Manor, Cusworth Hall, Hickleton Hall, Nether Hall and Wheatley Hall. Further signs of the town's wealth are the 18th century Mansion House on High Street and probably the most outstanding building in the area, that of St George's Minster.

The main photograph above was taken on one of the many walks in the area, this one from Sprotborough in the west into Doncaster. This rural setting alongside the Don navigation is an ideal spot to get away from it all for a while without being too far away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.