---

 

 

Doncaster Leasing

Did You Know?

Shirley and Eddie Clarkson designed the stuffed toy in a factory known as the Bear Garden in Doncaster. The first prototype bears were given to their children, Grand Tour presenter and former Top Gear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson and his sister Joanna for Christmas in 1972.

There is a common belief that Doncaster is technically still part of Scotland. In the 12th Century the town was signed over to King David I in the Treaty of Durham. But it was never officially given back.

Doncaster is on the Explorer's Road. This is the name given to the 500km stretch of road that connects the north to the south, otherise known as the A1. The route features many beautiful towns and cities full of history and adventures waiting to be explored. .

Doncaster is also home to Britain’s favourite corner shop. First run by that legend of comedy, Ronnie Barker as Arkwright, and more recently by his nephew Granville, a tiny hairdresser’s shop in Balby is transformed into “Arkwrights” from Open All Hours when filming starts. The shop has been used since the very first series in the 1970s and continues today.

The St Leger, the world’s oldest classic horse race is held in Doncaster; dating back to 1776 and runs every year in September.

One of the main attractions that Doncaster is known for is the Dome Leisure Centre. In 1989, Princess Diana travelled up to officially open the centre. It was a big progression for Doncaster as it contains the first and only split-level ice rink in the UK.

Louis Tomlinson is Doncaster's most famous export, but Jeremy Clarkson comes a close second. Best-known for presenting Top Gear from October 2002 to March 2015 and now enjoying his time on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

The St Leger has been run in Doncaster since 1776 and since then, thousands of racing enthusiasts have descended on Doncaster for a dose of good old fashioned Yorkshire hospitality as well as the thrills and spills of the Sport of Kings.

England football boss Kevin Keegan, TV host Jeremy Clarkson, acting sensation Sheridan Smith, One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, booming Brian Blessed and a host of other star names all hail from round these parts and are proud to call Doncaster home.

They are the most famous steam icons in the world - and they were both built in Doncaster. The Flying Scotsman and Mallard were both conceived and created at the Plant Works - and our proud railway heritage continues today. making Doncaster a key UK rail hub.

Take a look around at some of our fabulous old buildings - the Mansion House, Cusworth Hall, Brodsworth Hall, Conisbrough Castle and Roche Abbey - just some of the beautiful architectural gems we can be proud of in and around Doncaster.

She might not be taking to the air anymore, but we can still boast the last flying Vulcan bomber in the world. XH558, a true iconic aircraft which has thrilled millions of aviation enthusiasts across the globe and which will now be permanently based here.