The High Street
A little further on are the Subscription Rooms, only the portico of which survives with its ionic columns, and the former Woolwich Building Society, now the Megabet Betting shop.
These buildings were in poor condition and threatened with redevelopment in the early 1970s. but were restored, both winning local Civic Trust Awards.
The Subscription Rooms were originally built as Betting Rooms in connection with the races.
The Doncaster Gazette of 25 August 1826 declared "These splendid rooms from the designs of Woodhead and Hurst are nearly finished. As a building it will add much to the effect of the High Street, to which it presents a neat front, with columns and pilasters of the Ionic Order from the small temple on the river Ilisos, at Athens. Ascending three steps you enter a loggia 25' x 141 serving as an approach to the principal room 90' x 23' x 20' high. An alcove recess in the centre, decorated with antae, increases its width in that part to 27'. The room is lighted by two windows from the front and three large lantern lights, coved into the ceiling, which is tastefully ornamented with cornices, panelling, etc.
At the end of the long room are two others, each 28' x 16', and connected by folding doors and a circular stone staircase. The rooms are to be elegantly furnished and the walls decorated with portraits of some of the most celebrated sporting noblemen and gentlemen, and the winners of the St. Leger. The work is done in a manner exceedingly creditable to Mr Lockwood, the builder".
Continue the Tour
From this point, head down the High Street towards Hall Gate. Crossing over the street at the crossing which is next to the Danum Hotel. The crossing forms part of the Junction of 4 streets, Cleveland Street, Silver Street, High Street and Hall Gate. Silver Street and Cleveland Street were originally part of a defensive ditch that surrounded central Doncaster refered to as the Bar Dyke. On the left side of the ditch was an earthen embankment, said to be 7ft high, with the ditch being 7ft deep.. At this point, there was a bridge with a large gate that allowed entry into the town.
Walk up Hall Gate, and you will come to the next building on the tour, which is now Cactus Jack Restaurant.
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