A clue to Cantley's long association with woodland is its pre-Conquest name of Canteleia. It is thought to be named after a Saxon called Cante who lived with his family in a woodland clearing - a 'leia' or 'ley'. Before Cante many groups, including the Romans, had lived and worked in the area, but in settlements whose names have since disappeared. They had dug wells, built roads and were involved in pottery, smelting iron and farming, creating a thriving community. Over the years the population grew but the landscape saw few changes.
From the 1600's an area of land from Rose Hill to Cantley village was used as a racecourse. This was moved to its present site in 1776, and the following year the first St.Leger horse race was run.
A large area of Cantley Common was taken into private ownership by the Childers family under the Cantley Inclosure Act of 1776-77. In 1787 the York architect, William Lindley, was commissioned to create a 250 acre parkland. This included a number of mixed plantations - the present day Cantley Woodlands.
The entire Cantley Estate covered 7000 acres and encompassed the Hall and village. In the 1900's the area was described as "very quiet and beautiful, with acres of woodland and carpets of bluebells in the spring - breathtaking".
In the early 1950's Doncaster Council purchased two thirds of the Cantley parkland from the owners, Mr & Mrs. Thomas Darley, for housing development. The new estate became known as New Cantley. Although much of the parkland disappeared, the plantations were retained, providing a series of green oases on the doorstep of the new community.
For many years Cantley Pond was dry. In September, 1992, the Cantley Pond Action Group, with the support of the Council, embarked on an ambitious program to restore the pond to its former glory. Major work was undertaken and wildlife has returned, making this an ideal place to visit on an afternoon's walk.
For directions to these woodlands please ring the number at the top of this page.
By Bus:
Telephone Travel South Yorkshire on 01709 515151 for full details of all bus services.
