Take a stroll to see town's rich history
A FRESH series of heritage walks round Doncaster town centre have been devised to promote this year's St Leger Festival.
The hour-long walks starting from the Tourist Information Centre in High Street delve into the town's past and in particular its connection with the world's oldest classic horse race.
They will be a key feature of the St Leger Festival Week which runs from September 3-12.
Peter Davies, Mayor of Doncaster, said: "I am immensely proud of Doncaster's history and believe it is important that we celebrate our past - from the Romans, to railways and racing.
"I am looking forward to finding out new facts about Doncaster's past and would encourage everyone to sign up for the walks during the festival week."
The tours will include sights such as the Mansion House, Corn Exchange, Doncaster Minster, and the Red Lion - where in 1776 a group of noblemen met and Anthony St Leger suggested the race which now bears his name.
Two years later during a dinner with the Marquess of Rockingham his guests suggested it be called the 'Rockingham Stakes' but the Marquess graciously declined stating that it had been his friend's idea and so should be named after him.
Colin Joy, Tourism and Visitor Economy Manager for the council, said: "Doncaster is simply brimming with history, going right back to Roman times. We are so lucky to have such a wealth of Georgian and Regency architecture in the town centre.
"There are so many wonderful stories about people who lived here and some of the visitors that Doncaster has welcomed over the centuries."
* To book a place on a heritage walk call 01302 734309, email tourist.information@doncaster.gov.uk or go to www.visitdoncaster.com/stleger.
Maps and events listings are available from the Tourist Information Centre.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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