The area of Tickhill lies eight miles south of Doncaster, between Maltby and Harworth, Notable buildings in Tickhill include the substantial ruins of Tickhill Castle, which contain a private residence leased by the Duchy of Lancaster, St Mary's Church - a large 13th century parish church, the parish rooms, an old hospital called St. Leonard's, and the Buttercross.

In the middle ages, Tickhill was one of England's most successful new towns. It gained a friary and St Leonard's Hospital. The Guild of St Cross was established in the town, and it is believed to have acted as the settlement's main governing body.