The Sand House
The
Sand House was one of those idiosyncratic structures that happens from time to
time when eccentrics have free reign to express their imagination in solid form.
It is one of Doncaster’s best kept secrets, particularly from its own
inhabitants under fifty.
Basically, the Sand House was a large dwelling built into the side of a sand quarry that existed on the site now occupied by Balby flats. It was a remarkable building dug and built in mid-to-late Victorian times before it fell into disrepair and was finally filled in by Doncaster Council in the 1960s. Had it been kept in repair and developed properly it would now doubtless be of national renown and a source of pride to the Borough. Yet again, the Council demonstrates its farsightedness…
The above photographs show only the above-ground structure: the bulk of the dwelling was below ground – that is, dug into the side walls of the quarry – and included a ballroom large enough to accommodate 300 people.
It was constructed by the Senior family, particularly William Senior and his son Henry. In 1853, Doncaster decided it really needed a proper sewer drainage system and William was contracted to dig a huge tunnel and ditch from St Sepulchre Gate to Green Dyke Lane. People were fascinated by this construction and to add further interest William decided to burrow into the soft sandstone walls of the channel and charge people entrance. It was particularly popular with passing-through trade in Race Week.
The first part of the house comprised four-rooms and two-storeys, with further tunnels deep into the stone. The photographs shown here appear to show a brick construction but the bulk of it has been carved from the sandstone walls, with brick chimneys added, along with a slate roof.
The above information and photographs were taken from The Sand House – A Victorian Marvel, by Richard Bell, published by Bond Publications of Rossington. Sadly now out of print, a copy can be viewed at the Central Library. The book is an excellent reminder of what Doncaster has lost and also of the ingenuity of some of its people.
More photographs are in the Gallery.