The History of Brayton – A Yorkshire Village with Roots and Growth

Brayton Circular Walk 4.74mi

Early Origins

Brayton, situated just south of Selby in North Yorkshire, carries a name with deep historical roots. The earliest recorded versions appear as Breide-tun around 1030 and Bretone in the Domesday Book of 1076. The name likely combines Old Norse breiðr (“broad”) or the personal name Breithi, with Old English tūn (“settlement”), reflecting the village’s origins in a wide, fertile area.

Agrarian Village and Parish Roots

Originally, Brayton was a small farming community nestled on the flat, fertile lands of the River Ouse floodplain. The village green and older buildings hint at its village-heart origins, with St Wilfrid’s Church standing nearby, parts of which date back to the 12th century.

Modern Expansion and Setting

Brayton remained largely agricultural through much of its history, but the 20th century brought more significant change. With new housing, its proximity to the A19 and major towns like York and Doncaster made it increasingly attractive for commuters and families alike. Today, the village is recognised as a tier-1 settlement in the North Yorkshire plan, keeping its balance between its historic core and modern housing growth.

Heritage Highlight

One notable historic structure is the Brayton Tunnel on the Selby Canal, completed in 1778 by engineer William Jessop. It’s a Grade II listed example of early canal engineering, emphasising Brayton’s place in Yorkshire’s transport heritage.

The History of Brayton – A Yorkshire Village with Roots and Growth

The History of Brayton – A Yorkshire Village with Roots and Growth