Welcome to Discover Lakeside - Great North Road
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Great North Road
Not far behind you was the historic Great North Road. This was originally a Roman road heading north past the forts at Bawtry, Rossington Bridge, Doncaster and Burghwallis.
Later on it became one of the great highways and post roads of the country with Kings, Queens, their armies and other travellers making their way up and down. In 1588 the Doncaster Corporation had ordered that “John Parker, William Hayforth and Alexander Moote should each keep 2 sufficient and able post horses for 1 year”.
The first direct postal service to the area was set up during the reign of King Charles II. A royal proclamation was issued on 25 May 1663 which only allowed Daniel O’Neale or his deputies to carry or deliver letters for hire. Searches were made for unlicensed letter carriers.
When the War Office made enquiries about spare accommodation in 1686, it was found that Doncaster had 206 guest beds and stabling facilities for 453 horses.
When Daniel Defoe arrived in Doncaster on his journeys in the 1720s, he noted that the town “stands upon the great northern post road, it is very full of great inns”.
These inns provided accommodation for travellers and acted as business premises for carriers. Letters and parcels could be delivered or collected, bills paid and fresh bookings made. A separate room was usually set aside for these transactions.
Coots at Doncaster Lakeside
Coots (Fulica Atra) are always present in large numbers at Lakeside. They are larger than Moorhens and can be istinguished by white bill and forehead. Traditionally the phrase ‘as bald as a coot’ is supposed to refer to this appearance.
Coots feed on water plants and small water creatures. They nest and rear young every year at Lakeside. Their nests are untidy but effective, and they often weave debris such as litter into their arrangement.
Every year coots nest on the base of the fountain and are so programmed to do this that they will return and rebuild if disturbed.
The content of this trail has been developed by the Doncaster Lakeside Wildlife Action Group. Visit their website at: http://lakesidewildlifeactiongroup.weebly.com/ or follow them on Twitter @WildlifeLakeDN4.
Question
How many bridges can you walk along on the lake?
Answer: Three