Our Lady of Doncaster - The Carmelites & The Shrine

The Carmelites & The Shrine

The Carmelite Friary of Doncaster was founded by John Nicbrother (John Nightbrother of Eyan) in the quarter of the town then known as Hall Gate. Co-founders were Richard le Ewere and, by reason of their patronage, the King (Richard II) and John of Gaunt, his uncle.

On 30 November 1350, licence was granted for alienation in mortmain by, "John son of Henry Nicbrothere de Eyoun and Richard le Ewere of Doncastre to the Carmelite Friars who are coming there to dwell in the town of Doncastre, of a messuage and six acres of land there, to build thereon a church in honour of St. Mary and houses to dwell in". So, 1350 would appear to be the recognised date of foundation of the shrine.

From the first, their Doncaster house became one of importance, due perhaps to its position on the North Road. A Provincial Chapter of the Order was held here in 1376 and, during the Pontificate of Boniface IX, two of the Community were- appointed Papal Chaplains: i.e. in the years 1398 and 1402

Doncaster afforded an excellent stopping place on the route north from London to Scotland and the Border, as the Romans had found when they built Ermine Street. Henry VII, in his all-important progress North after his coronation came from Nottingham to Doncaster on a Saturday. The following day he heard Mass before the Lady Shrine. There were good reasons for his visit . Apart from his own sincere devotion to Our Lady, shown in so many other ways, here was a Shrine which claimed, technically at least, to have John of Gaunt as a founder.

A few years later, 13 June 1503, his elder daughter Margaret made her own progress to Scotland, to become Queen of James IV, whom she married two months later. She was met ceremonially on her arrival in Doncaster and lodged at Whitefriars, where she was introduced "according to precedent custom". The implication of that is worthy of note. Other royal visitors to the Shrine had included Henry of Bolingbroke (Henry IV), in July 1399, and Edward IV, 1470.