Draycott, Somerset
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Draycott | |
Draycott shown within Somerset |
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OS grid reference | |
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District | Sedgemoor |
Shire county | Somerset |
Region | South West |
Constituent country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | BRISTOL |
Postcode district | BS27 |
Dialling code | 01934 |
Police | Avon and Somerset |
Fire | Devon and Somerset |
Ambulance | South Western |
European Parliament | South West England |
UK Parliament | Wells |
List of places: UK • England • Somerset |
Draycott is a small village in Somerset neighbouring the village of Cheddar on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Draicote, meaning 'The dray shelter' from the Old English dragan and cot.[1] Close to the village is the Draycott Sleights nature reserve which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Draycott, like nearby Cheddar, is still a major strawberry producer. The now disused railway line that ran through Draycott was called the Strawberry Line.
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[edit] History
There is some evidence of occupation of the site in the Iron Age including an unfinished earthwork enclosure on the hill above Draycott.[2]
[edit] Church
The church of St Peter was built in 1861 by the architect C.E. Giles. It is a grade II listed building.[3] The majority of the stonework is that known locally as 'Draycott Marble', a dolomitic conglomerate with a pronounced pinkish tinge, that was quarried quite close by at Draycott quarry.[4] Notable interior features are the stained glass east windows, the fine wrought-iron rood screen (1894), and the neo-Norman font.[5]
[edit] Local
Halesland Airfield is situated just to the North of the village and is home to the Mendip Gliding Club. Draycott is still a major strawberry producer and the now disused railway line that ran through Draycott was called the Strawberry Line. The pub located opposite the old railway station is called The Strawberry Special.
[edit] The Narrows
Draycott has a main road A371 which runs North to South along the village's longest Axis. Despite being classified as a main road, the road significantly narrows at certain points along the southern part of the village by Ivy Cottage. This part of the road is known as 'the narrows' and has been the cause of congestion during times of increased traffic flow such as during the summer tourist season. Many campervans and caravans have become stuck here.[citation needed]
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Robinson, Stephen (1992). Somerset Place Names. Wimbourne: The Dovecote Press Ltd. ISBN 1874336032.
- ^ Mendip Hills An Archaeological Survey of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Somerset County Council Archeological Projects. Retrieved on 2006-10-28.
- ^ Church of St Peter. Images of England. Retrieved on 2006-07-17.
- ^ Atthill, Robin (1976). Mendip: A new study. Newton Abbott: David & Charles. ISBN 0715372971.
- ^ Church of St Peter. Retrieved on 2006-07-17.