Walking along the High Street, you will soon reach the distinctive bow windows of the Georgian Tea Rooms. This Georgian shop was vacated by Parkinson's (of Butterscotch fame) in 1960. It was only saved from demolition by the efforts of Doncaster Civic Trust. It was restored and brought back into use in 1976.

The building at 50/51 High Street dates back to at least 1775, when it was the home of a draper. In May 1817 Samuel Parkinson took the premises, trading as a grocer and tea dealer. He also made confectionery and eventually Parkinson’s was to become famous for one of its specialities, butterscotch.

In the 1890s the family sold the business to Samuel Balmforth and Alec Wilson, although the name ‘Parkinson and Son’ was retained. Balmforth was a good businessman who introduced many innovations, one of which was the restaurant.

In 1960 Parkinson’s sold the premises and both shop and café closed. For 16 years the Doncaster Civic Trust fought to save it from demolition, eventually resulting in its restoration in 1976. This was probably our longest campaign! Unfortunately the café, most of which had been an addition to the building, was demolished during these years.

Nevertheless it is good to see that once again the building is in use as ‘The Georgian Tea Rooms’, with the name ‘Parkinson House’ appearing on the sign. The new owners have also restored the Civic Trust plaque that commemorates Parkinson’s.

Choose Your Media to Continue on the Trail

Continue walking along High Street. Within a short distance, you will arrive at the top of Priory Place.

As you turn into Priory Place, you can see the Doncaster Tourist Information Centre, which is inside this 1805 building.

Continue to the end of Priory Place and you will pass a number of Listed Buildings before you reach the Priory Place Methodist Church.

When you arrive at the next location, click the next button at the foot of the page, to find out more about this interesting building.