Rossington Hall Doncaster

The most famous ghost sighting at Rossington Hall is that of a female spirit called Annette or Annie, Simply Ghost Nights were informed that the spirit of Annie is that of Annette Streatfield. Annette is rumoured to haunt the staircase and the downstairs area. Annette is said to be the white lady that is often seen floating between rooms.

Another sighting is that of a kilted gentleman who has been witnessed sat in a chair, and who is described has been as solid as you like and then just fades away into the chair.

Local legend has it that the spirit of a former game keeper or poacher is said to roam the woods and fields close to Rossington Hall. One local in Rossington described how the ghostly game keeper came out of a swirling mist and glided along a footpath wearing what can only be described as a deer hunter hat and long black cape, then vanish into a swirling mist.

In 1771 the land that is now Rossington Hall estate was part of Rossington Common, which belonged to the Salvyn family and in which was let to the Earl of Northumberland during the reign of Henry VI.

Also in 1771 Mr James Stovin the town clerk leased the Rossington Estate from the Doncaster Corporation for the annual rent of 10 shillings. James began construction of the mansion then named 'Shooters Hill', once the hall had been completed the Hall he then moved into the house around 1778.

Later in the 19th century more additions were added to the Hall by its new occupier a Mr. Michael Humble. Doncaster Corporation then sold Rossington Hall via auction to raise much needed funds to pay off their debts, and in 1838 the Hall was sold for £99,190 to a James Brown Esq.

In 1845 and aged just 59 Mr. Brown died and the estate was passed onto his son James Brown Junior. In 1881 tragedy struck when the Hall was engulfed by fire, and the new house was built in 1883 and stands where it does today.

Mr Brown occupied the home until his death in 1877 and the estate was inherited by his closest living relative, Richard James Streatfield. The new Rossington Hall incorporated a portico, entrance hall, dining room, library, staircase hall, conservatory, drawing room, two sitting rooms, billiards room, 22 principal and secondary bedrooms and a bathroom and was built at a cost of around £60,000.

During the time of Richard James Streatfield the building seemed to lose its name of Shooters Hill and became known as the name that still stands today, Rossington Hall.

Richards James Streatfield lived at Rossington Hall with his wife and his only daughter, Annette. The Streatfield family liked to hold many social gatherings at Rossington Hall and they would often entertain the Grove Hunt, political parties and members of the Dragoons. They also carried out much work to help the village and parish and Mr Streatfield also worked for the Yorkshire Institution for the Deaf and for Doncaster Infirmary. Sadly Richard James Streatfield passed away in 1931, following his wife who died in 1903.

Following the death of her father, Annette inherited Rossington Hall and became 'tenant for life', however this was to be cut short as Annette sadly passed away shortly after in 1937.

Some rumours suggest that Annette still has presence in the hall, and resides in the attic. There is the famous photograph of the 'Ghost of Rossington Hall' itis said to be Annie, one link being with Annette.

In 1939 the house was once again sold at auction, this time for a small sum of £5,000 to the Roman Catholic Order, The White Fathers. The house was then used as a training college for training missionary priests for Africa.

Once war was declared the hall was then under military requisition. An Indian regiment and the Royal Veterinary Corps were based there and remained there until 1946 when the military authorities released the hall back to the White Fathers where they remained until 1948.

In 1948 Doncaster Corporation purchased the hall for £18,000, and due to the 1944 education act the local authorities decided that disabled children should be cared for within local facilities and so Rossington hall became a special needs school in 1953.

The school officially opened in 1953 with head teacher Mr Lovatt at the helm. At one time there were around 60 boarders (boys) and 80 day children and many of the teachers lived within the grounds and would be on call 24 hours a day. It is the dedication of the teachers and staff that created such a wonderful educational and nurturing environment and which led to the school being described as a 'way of life' and a 'joyful place', and which meant everybody involved was sad to see it close in December 2008.

The building and grounds were unoccupied for some years after this point with only a security patrol to ensure the safety of the hall.

In 2011 Rossington hall and its estate were sold to local couple Gary and Michelle Gee. The couple have huge plans over the next few years to restore the hall to its former Victorian glory and to create a wonderful hotel and wedding venue.



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