Armthorpe

infobox UK place
country = England
official_name= Armthorpe
map_type= South Yorkshire
latitude= 53.535176
longitude= -1.052235
population = 16,977
metropolitan_borough= Doncaster
metropolitan_county= South Yorkshire
region= Yorkshire and the Humber
constituency_westminster= Doncaster Central
post_town= DONCASTER
postcode_district = DN3
postcode_area= DN
dial_code= 01302
os_grid_reference= SE631047 Armthorpe is a village and forms the eastern edge of the Doncaster urban sprawl within the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England.

History

Etymology

The settlement of Armthorpe was first recorded in 1086 as 'Ernulfestorp', showing the influence of the Vikings on the region. Its probable origination means outlying farmstead or hamlet (from the Old Scandinavian - thorp) of a man named Earnwulf or Arnulfr.

Early history

The remains of a Roman Villa and Farm were found on Nutwell Lane and through the centuries Armthorpe was known for its rich farming activities. To some extent the rich crop farming heritage continues today and the area between Armthorpe and the M18 motorway is still dedicated to farming.

Armthorpe (Ernulfestorp) was recorded in the Domesday book as being the property of the monks of Roche Abbey near Maltby, who had a grange here, at which the official resided who managed this part of the estates of the establishment, and who was sometimes a brother of the house: they had also an officer called their forester. The parish comprised 3810 acres, and included the farms of Holm-Wood and Waterton, the latter of which was long the seat of the ancient family of its own name, of whom several served the office of high sheriff, and one was master of the horse to Henry V. The village at this time consisted mainly of scattered houses.

Coal mining

During the late 19th and for most of the 20th Century Armthorpe became known for its Coal mining and a deep seam Colliery was sunk. The pit was named Markham Main.The mining increased the local population dramatically and whole new housing estates were constructed to house the mining workers. These housing estates were famous for their architectural layout. From the air you can see that the houses are formed into rings or crescents, a feature unique to coal mining areas.Fact|date=March 2008 Similar examples can be seen in Rossington.

After the closure of the mines in the early 1990s the area went through deep depression.

Present day

Today, Armthorpe has effectively been reborn. New industries and jobs have moved into the area. The proximity of the area to the M18 motorway at Junction 4 has introduced excellent commuting opportunities for workers in neighbouring Cities such as Sheffield.

Armthorpe is also located around 4 miles from Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport offering fast access to European business and holiday destinations. One of the planning considerations is to build an Airport access link road from the M18 motorway at Armthorpe directly to the Airport assisting with the tremendous redevelopment of the area.

The flat farming land and Motorway access has also attracted huge greenfield industrial and distribution sites for companies such as IKEA. New technology centres also exist for companies such as Toyota and property prices are rising at rates far exceeding many other parts of Doncaster and indeed the rest of the country, albeit from a low level.

Places of worship

Armthorpe has three Christian churches:
*St. Leonard and St. Mary's Church, Church Street, where Parish Registers record information from the following dates:
**Baptisms: 1653-1944
**Marriages: 1653-1939
**Burials: 1654-1946
*The Methodist Church, Armthorpe, Paxton Crescent
*The Roman Catholic Church, Armthorpe, Mere Lane

Sport

*Armthorpe Welfare Football Club are currently members of the Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division.
*Armthorpe Village F.C (Armthorpe Village Football Club) are currently members of the Doncaster & District Sunday Alliance league, Established in January 2005.
*Armthorpe Kingfishers Swimming Club, operate from the village Leisure Centre next to the comprehensive school.
*Armthorpe Motocross and Quadbike Racing

Notable people

* Birthplace of England soccer legend Kevin Keegan.
* Also birthplace of Community Newsletters and Sky Sports reporter Hayley Paterson.
* Birthplace of Britains Got Talent drummer boy Cameron Farrell

References