The Buttercross

In 1756, Doncaster Corporation, commissioned a new Butter Cross and Shambles from John Platt, an architect-mason of Rotherham, whose father, George, had been architect-mason for the building of Cusworth Hall until his death in 1740.

The octagonal Butter Cross with its wooden lantern, housing the market bell, formed a handsome feature at the Baxter Gate entrance to the market area.

The Shambles provided accommodation for the butchers• stalls. The superstructure was carried by Roman Doric columns, Originally the sides were open but in 1780 the openings were bricked up.

Unfortunately the Shambles could not be seen to the best effect because of the narrowness of the adjoining streets.