Saxton is a village in North Yorkshire, England, south-west of York and east of Leeds. The resident population is about 250. The closest town is Tadcaster.

History

The place-name 'Saxton' is attested in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as Saxtun. This is from the Old English Seax-tūn, meaning 'town or settlement of the Saxons'.

Saxton, North Yorkshire

A motte and bailey castle was built at Saxton. A medieval manor house replaced the castle until it was demolished in the early-19th century but some earthworks of the bailey and the motte survive.

Saxton, North Yorkshire

All Saints' Church is a grade I listed structure which dates to the 11th century. Some bodies of those who were killed in the Battle of Towton were buried in the churchyard. The men who gave their lives in the First World War are remembered on the War Memorial outside the church and a plaque inside the church.

Saxton, North Yorkshire

The Battle of Towton was fought just north of the village.

Saxton is home to an Anglican church, a primary school, a village hall, one pub, the Greyhound owned and operated by Samuel Smith's Old Brewery and a cricket club.

References

Sources

External links

A CommuniGate Page

The Towton Battlefield Society Homepage

General information about the village of Saxton

Saxton Cricket Club Homepage

Saxton War Memorial

Selby District

Villages in North Yorkshire