Highfields, South Yorkshire Explained

Static Image Name:The Highwayman Roundabout, the A638 junction with the B1220 - geograph.org.uk - 299866.jpg
Static Image Caption:Road junction in Highfields
Country:England
Coordinates:53.555°N -1.186°W
Official Name:Highfields
Metropolitan Borough:Doncaster
Metropolitan County:South Yorkshire
Region:Yorkshire and the Humber
Constituency Westminster:Doncaster North
Post Town:Doncaster
Postcode District:DN6
Postcode Area:DN
Dial Code:01302

Highfields is a former coal mining village, located south of the model village of Woodlands, in South Yorkshire. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it is part of the City of Doncaster. The village is located in the Adwick ward of Doncaster MBC.

Although it does not currently have an air of prosperity, Highfields was built so that most houses either overlooked farmland or woodland, the ornamental Highfields Lake, or the greens in the centre of the village. Like its neighbour, Woodlands, Highfields lies between the historic Great North Road and the Roman road.

The Roman road is a branch of Ermine Street, branching off near Lincoln and rejoining near York. Although a separate branch, it is also known as Ermine Street. Locally, this stretch of the road is known as the Roman Ridge, although it is more colloquially known as the Roman Rigg.

Hanging Wood, located between Highfields and Woodlands, was one of the 'hold up' spots used by the 17th century highwayman William Nevison (also known as Swift Nick or Black Bob).[1]

Half a mile south-east are the surviving earthworks, much overgrown, of Hangthwaite Castle, a medieval motte-and-bailey castle.

Notable residents

David Pegg (1935 - 1958) one of the Manchester United footballers who died in the Munich air disaster, was born in Highfields[2]

References

  1. Web site: Hanging Wood. The Woodland Trust. 3 August 2024.
  2. News: Memorial service for Doncaster Munich Air Disaster victim David Pegg offered to Manchester United museum. Darren Burke. 20 February 2023. 3 August 2024.