There is some evidence of occupation of the site in the Iron Age including an unfinished earthwork enclosure on the hill above Draycott.[1]
The village was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Draicote, meaning 'The dray shelter' from the Old Englishdragan and cot.[2] Another derivation is from the Brythonic from Tre meaning settlement and Coet meanings woods.
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 the village was called the Strawberry Line. The pub located opposite the old railway station is called The Strawberry Special.
The A371 road runs north to south through the village's longest axis. Despite being classified as an A-road, it significantly narrows at certain points along the southern part of the village and has been the cause of congestion during times of increased traffic flow such as during the summer tourist season.
Controversially, in 2006, the church attempted to sell the font for £110,000.[6] The Rev. Stanley Price contended that the sale was essential to meet a repair and restoration bill of an estimated £170,000.[7] The sale was initially approved by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Bath and Wells, Timothy J Briden[7] but permission was subsequently refused when the Victorian Society appealed to the Court of Arches, one of the Church of England's highest courts. The court found "no compelling need to dispose of the font had been demonstrated" and concluded that, if allowed, "much of which adorns and adds interest, both historically and architecturally, to our churches would be lost to future generations."[8]
Former railway station
The former railway station was part of the Strawberry Line, which ran out of Yatton (Somerset), towards Wells. Draycott Station was the stop after Cheddar. The station opened in 1878. The line closed in the early 1960s.
Notable residents
Henry Barber (1841–1924), English amateur cricketer, died in Draycott.
Barry Rose (b. 1934), English choir trainer and organist.
