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About Bawtry |
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| With a small population of just 3,204 (as of 2001), Bawtry is a quaint market town nestled in the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. The traditional market town quality of Bawtry is what attracts many of the visitors and residents to Bawtry, with its specialist boutiques lining the streets. |
With a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, Bawtry is somewhere many visit time and time again, whether it be to sample the food in the towns exceptional restaurants, to shop in the specialist clothing, shoe, jewellery shops or to treat oneself to a pampering session.
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Bawtry is easily accessed by many neighbouring towns including Gainsborough, Doncaster, Worksop and Retford, with its location having always been central, lying at the point where the Great North Road meets the River Idle. Just South of the town is Nottinghamshire, with the former RAF Finningley, now Robin Hood Airport, being North of the town.
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Steeped with heritage, Bawtry has been surrounded by history since it was first a Roman settlement, located on Ermine Street, which was a major Roman Road that ran to York and Lincoln from London.
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According to historic documents, it was in Bawtry that the Anglo-Saxon King, Aethelfrith was killed in battle on the River Idle with Raedwald, the King of East Anglia in 616AD.
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A smaller settlement formed in the wharf area of the town during the Viking era, which stemmed from the 8th Century to mid-11th Century. It was during this time that many believe Bawtry's St. Nicholas Church was constructed for the first time.
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Bawtry's area, during the Viking era, was known to lay in the area of Nottinghamshire until the Norman Conquest in the 11th Century where it moved into the West Riding of Yorkshire. John de Busli or Robert de Vipont developed the new town adjacent to the older village in 1200.
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A four-day annual fair was declared in 1213 when Robert de Vipont was the recipient of a Royal Charter. The first market wasn't long to follow with the first one being recorded in 1247. As a central commercial and stopping point between Doncaster and Retford, Bawtry continued to grow as an established river port.
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By the mid-14th Century, Bawtry was beginning to export many different items overseas, including wool. The Hospital of St Mary Magdalene was founded during this time, and remained until the 18th Century.
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| Bawtry's trade did begin to suffer during the 1540's before beginning to prosper again when it began exporting millstones during the Elizabethan times. |
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| Bawtry Today |
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| Historically, Bawtry has been a well situated market town, which is something that is continued today, with nearby towns, villages and places further afield being easily accessed, including Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford and Rotherham. |
With the heritage and vibrancy of Bawtry's colourful past continued into present day, this little market town remains a wonderful, community driven area. Many of its residents and shop owners pride themselves on retaining this welcoming, friendly feel as sadly many places seem to have lost this quality over the years.
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| With its boutiques, specialist shops, restaurants and café's, there is no wonder that Bawtry is a wonderful place to visit for a unique shopping experience, or to spend the entire day browsing at your leisure. |
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