Highfields, South Yorkshire
Although it does not currently have an air of prosperity, Highfields was built so that most houses either overlooked farmland or woodland, the ornamental Highfields Lake, or the greens in the centre of the village. Like its neighbour, Woodlands, Highfields lies between the historic Great North Road and the Roman road.
The Roman road is a branch of Ermine Street, branching off near Lincoln and rejoining near York. Although a separate branch, it is also known as Ermine Street. Locally, this stretch of the road is known as the Roman Ridge, although it is more colloquially known as the Roman Rigg.
Hanging Wood, located between Highfields and Woodlands, was one of the 'hold up' spots used by the 17th century highwayman William Nevison (also known as Swift Nick or Black Bob).
Half a mile south-east are the surviving earthworks, much overgrown, of Hangthwaite Castle, a medieval motte-and-bailey castle.
As of 2014, the village had a population of 1,375. For the 2021 census, its population count was combined with Adwick le Street and Woodlands, the latter of which had a confirmed population of 7,100 later in 2023.
Notable residents
David Pegg (1935 - 1958) one of the Manchester United footballers who died in the Munich air disaster, was born in Highfields
References
- ^ "Hanging Wood". The Woodland Trust. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
- ^ Historic England. "Castle Hills motte and bailey castle, Langthwaite, Adwick le Street (1013654)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 19 October 2017.
- ^ Team Doncaster. "Team Doncaster: Highfields Community Profile 2014" (PDF). teamdoncaster.org.uk. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ Team Doncaster. "Team Doncaster: Community Profiles 2014". teamdoncaster.org.uk. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ Census Data UK. "2021 UK Census: Adwick le Street & Woodlands Middle layer Super Output Area". censusdata.uk. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ Darren Burke (20 February 2023). "Memorial service for Doncaster Munich Air Disaster victim David Pegg offered to Manchester United museum". Retrieved 3 August 2024.
External links
Media related to Highfields, South Yorkshire at Wikimedia Commons