About 

More about Doncaster and District Heritage Association.

doncaster heritage association logo 2

Doncaster has a long and varied history. Over the last 2,000 years, it has developed from a Roman fort on the banks of the River Don to a Metropolitan Borough with a population of around 289,000 (2001 Census)

Situated where the main Roman route to the north had crossed the River Don, Doncaster became established as an important market town in the Middle Ages. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it prospered during the coaching era, due once again to its geographical position on the Great North Road. Its popularity as a racing town, particularly during the St Leger meeting, boosted the local economy.

The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in 1849 and its workshops – known locally as the Plant – four years later, transformed Doncaster into an important industrial town. In the early years of the 20th century, the realisation that the Doncaster area was rich in coal led to the sinking of collieries. Other manufacturing industries such as brass, wire, glass, synthetic fibres,  confectionery, agricultural equipment and electric motors followed.

Following the economic recession of the 1970s and 80s most of these industries have suffered cuts, and in the case of mining – pit closures. In the early years of the 21st century, with the decline in manufacturing, Doncaster’s economy is now based on service industries, such as retailing, leisure and entertainment.

The growing interest in Doncaster’s past has seen an increase in the number of heritage related groups. Following a successful local history fair in 2003 the participating groups came together to form the Doncaster and District Heritage Association (DDHA).

The DDHA was formally launched in 2004 and serves to promote interest at all levels, in the study, recording and preservation of the heritage and history of Doncaster and surrounding districts. It aims to foster education in the above fields and to provide communication and co-operation between member organisations, all of which share the same objectives.