Story of slow decline and decay of road
BALBY Road: In the post-war years, the story of Balby Road has been one of decline and decay through the dominance of motorised traffic.
In 1961 there was the Balby Road Compulsory Purchase order.
This resulted in the forecourts and gardens of many Balby Road houses, shops and offices being sacrificed in a road widening scheme.
Another rather dramatic plan proposed that a road should run at two levels along Balby road, but that was never carried out for financial reasons.
I suppose that many people may have expected that the opening of the A1 dual-carriageway, during the early 1960s, would relieve not only Balby road, but other town roads.
But former Doncaster MBC engineer Peter Greaves once told me he had predicted what he called the 'suppressed car usage factor' would come into play.
Peter meant that people owning vehicles along and around areas like Balby Road and York Road did not use them regularly because of the incredible traffic jams they encountered.
But, once the A1 was opened they may have assumed that it would be safe to use them more frequently.
Peter's prediction was correct and traffic congestion continued unabated along the roads to and from the town centre.
This, of course, was exacerbated by the rise in the number of privately-owned vehicles and the shift to transporting goods by road instead of rail. Continuing traffic flow difficulties along Balby Road, and all the inherent problems of pollution and noise caused by many 'posh' residents, perhaps predictably, to move to the town's more peaceful areas.
Consequently, a number of Balby Road properties have deteriorated through neglect, or conversion for multiple occupation and commercial uses. The once splendid Victorian/Edwardian edifices are currently a disgrace and perhaps have a limited life-span.
Glasgow Paddocks: An 1895 view of Glasgow Paddocks facing north.
Eric Braim in his Doncaster Streets - No. 3 Waterdale published in the Doncaster Civic Trust News September 1989 no. 58 mentions that the Waterdale Closes were leased to Lord Clifden for his racing stud, stud groom William Cunningham and from 1860 they were leased to Lord Glasgow and were known as Lord Glasgow's Paddocks for nearly a century.
He also adds: 'Edward Somerset had the Paddocks at the end of the 19th century and the (Doncaster) Corporation took them on lease in 1902. The bloodstock sales were held opposite the Salutation until the field was developed for the Regent Square houses. In 1860 the sales were held in the Horse Fair (Waterdale) and in 1866 they were moved to Lord Glasgow's Paddocks. A description of the sales in the Horse Market at Race Week in 1862 said they would be worth a journey in themselves.
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Latest sport. The circle of bidders and spectators comprised all that was distinguished in the sporting world and many who were great elsewhere.’
James Simonton & Son:
The firm of James Simonton & Sons (J.S.& S), produced thousands of picture postcard views of Doncaster and its environs at the dawn of the 20th century where radical changes occurred.
James Simonton, born in Dublin in 1861, and founder of the J.S.&S postcard business came to Doncaster around 1908 settling in the outlying village of Wadworth.
His three sons, James, junior, Frederick and Francis were all initially involved with the J.S.& S. business.
James Simonton arrived in Doncaster during the period, which is currently recognised as the heyday of topographical postcard views, 1900-1918, and there are probably several reasons for this:
n Most postcards at this period cost a penny or less and could be posted with a halfpenny stamp in England.
n Postcards were the best means of sending a message with a picture.
n The postcard view allowed anyone to send a picture of their town village or street to a relative in any part of the country. J.S.& S. have produced literally thousands of topographical views the range of subjects being enormous. Between 1908 and 1950 they photographed virtually every street and numerous local events, in towns and villages within a 20-mile radius of Doncaster.
Their pictures have outstanding clarity, are beautifully composed and full of incidental details.
n Tuffrey is trying to compile a catalogue of the firm’s work so if any reader has any cards marked J.S.&S. contact him on 07709 844109
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