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Skellow is a small village in the north of Doncaster that runs parallel to the A1 (Great North Road).
The village Skellow derives its name from the river Skell, which also passes through another village of Skellbrook, joining yet another river, the Eebek before finally joining the river Don. The river Skell runs through the locally named 'Five Lanes End' (Over the Bridge) area of Skellow, which was also where Oliver Cromwell placed his cannon battery to protect the Great North Road during the English Civil War. The mounds for the cannon still remain and the surrounding are of cottages and (REF REQUIRED) 15th century inn (now known as 'The Bridge House') remain to this day.
Today, it merges with nearby Carcroft and there is little to distinguish where one begins and the other ends. Visitors to Skellow will notice few remains from the coalmining industry (there are a few winding wheel relics at Bullcroft) and may be surprised by the large open spaces and attractive countryside. The furniture retailer dfs began in Carcroft and there remains an outlet for the firm opposite the ASDA superstore. There is a sizeable former council housing estate which is in a good state of repair on the whole and several Local clubs (formerly Working Men's Clubs and the like) in which to regularly experience live music. There is high take up of incapacity benefits and incidents of unemployment, something which the government is looking to change. Overall there is still a sense of community with residents knowing their neighbours and those that live around them.
The area approaching the A1 from the direction of Doncaster is characterised by detached bungalows and newer large housing. Locals refer to this area as "over the bridge" to distinguish it from the former council estate. This area approaches the hamlet of Burgwallis and more farmed countryside. Burghwallis' claim to fame is as the home of Catholic Martyr, John Anne (alias John Amias) who lived in the Hall there which became a Nunnery and is now a care home for the elderly.
(Source: Wikipedia) |