It is believed that the name Sprotbrough originates from a mix of English and Scandinavian names, with "Sprotte" being a shoot and "Brough" being Scandinavian for a defensible place.

The area lies 3 miles to the north west of Doncaster town centre. Nowadays, the Sprotbrough & Cusworth area is one which thrives on small business. A key focal point of Sprotbrough is St Mary's Church, founded in 1176, with a clock tower that has commanding views of the Don Valley.