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.[4]
Early history
The remains of a Roman village 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 there at which an 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 3,810 acres (15.4 km2) and included the farm of Holm-Wood. The village at this time consisted mainly of scattered houses.
Coal mining
Markham Main Colliery
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.[5] 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, similar examples can be seen in Rossington.
After the closure of the mine 1996 the area went through deep depression. The old colliery site is now a large housing estate, with a thriving community with parks and tracks for walking and cycling to the local wood.
Present day
IKEA warehouse
Today, on average, Armthorpe remains one of the more affluent areas of Doncaster.[6]
Places of worship
Armthorpe has three churches (the Methodist Church in Paxton Crescent closed in 2007):
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
Our Lady Of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, Mere Lane
Armthorpe New Life Church, Church Street (meets in the Community Centre)
Sport
Doncaster Rugby Union Club
Boxing - Universal Pro/Amateur Boxing Club is on Church Street
Armthorpe Village Football Club are currently members of the Doncaster & District Sunday Alliance league
Armthorpe Welfare Junior Football Club, playing at Shaw Wood Academy, have teams in the Doncaster and District Junior Sunday League. There is a walking football section based at the Armthorpe Academy, and a Development Group for 3 to 6 year olds which takes place in the summer months. AWJFC is a FA Charter Standard Club
Armthorpe Rovers Junior Football Club have teams in age groups from Under 6's up to Under 17's
^Ekwall, Eilert (1960). The concise Oxford dictionary of English place-names (4 ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 13. ISBN0-19-869103-3. {{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
