Stanton Drew

Stanton Drew is a small village and

Stanton Drew was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Stantone. The first element is clearly a direct reference to the megalithic monument, which may well have been in far better condition over 1,000 years ago than it is today, and would have made a most striking impression on the first English speakers to arrive in this area, probably in the second half of the 7th century. In terms of the second element of the main place-name, it is Old English tun, the single commonest place-name forming word in Old English. This word has numerous possible meanings, depending on context and/or region. But in the majority of cases a meaning of 'settlement/farmstead/estate', will not be wide of the mark.^[4] The second part of the place-name (ie the second, separate word as it appears in modern forms) is a 'standard' manorial suffix from the post-Norman Conquest period. An earlier suggestion on this page that this component of the place-name is based on a pre-English (ie British) word, is entirely false, and was based on a notoriously unreliable source. It is in fact derived from the name of a manorial tenant, Drogo, with the individual himself being mentioned in 1225. Although the form in which we have the name is Anglo-Norman French, Professor Coates remarks that it is "of Continental Germanic origin, from one of two roots meaning 'go to war' or 'ghost'".^[5]

After the Norman Conquest the Lords of the Manor took their name from the village. In the reign of Henry II Robert de Stanton was succeeded by Geoffrey de Stanton. One of the family Drogo or Drew gave his name to the place to distinguish it from Stanton Prior and Stanton Wick. It subsequently came into the possession of the Choke and then the Cooper and Coates families.^[6]

The parish of Stanton Drew was part of the

There is a long history of coal mining in the parish and the locations of many small pits are still visible in newly ploughed fields.[8] For example, the philosopher John Locke who grew up in Belluton owned land in the parish which was being exploited for coal in 1680.^[9]

During the 19th and 20th centuries there were three coal mines within the parish. The Rydons mine operated from 1808 until 1833, the Pensford Colliery operated from 1909 to 1955 and the Bromley Pit operated from 1860 - 1957. These mines formed part of the northern section of the

The

The Rectory Farmhouse is a Grade II* listed building, dating from the 15th century.[13] A barn about 35 metres west of the farmhouse dates from the same period,^[14] as does a dovecote in the grounds.^[15]

At the northern entrance to the village before the bridge over the River Chew is a white thatched, 18th-century house which became a toll house when turnpikes were in use.^[16] It is a Grade II listed building.^[17]

The Court in Bromley Road dates from 1753 and is a Grade II* listed building.^[18] It is now used as a nursing home. The walls and piers around this property are themselves Grade II listed.^[19]

There is some evidence of a watermill, used as a forge in the 1660s, a copper mill from 1713 to 1860 and then a paper mill.

There are several other listed buildings in the village, the oldest being the 15th-century Church Farmhouse.^[20]

Buildings from the 17th century include Byemills Farmhouse,^[21] Codrington Cottage,^[22] Stanton Wick Farmhouse,^[23] Parson's Farmhouse,^[24] and another cottage and attached wall near the church.^[25]

Later buildings include those from the 19th century such as: Mill Place,^[26] and its accompanying wall and piers,^[27] Rosedale,^[28] and Fern Cottage.^[29]

The narrow limestone bridge over the River Chew is possibly 13th or 14th-century in origin with more recent repairs. The bridge spans about 12 metres (39 ft), with a 1 metre (3.3 ft) high parapet wall to each side. Each side has two pointed arches with chamfered mouldings and relieving arch, central cutwater with off-sets to each side and pyramidal stone top, inner ribs to vaults; on east side, oval plaque with illegible inscription and strengthening with exposed steel girder. Ancient Monument Avon no. 162.^[30] The bridge was damaged in the 1968 Chew Stoke flood.^[31]

The

Stanton Drew was commemorated by Adge Cutler in his popular song "When the Common Market Comes to Stanton Drew". Written in response to opening up of trade with Europe, Adge suggests what might happen to Somerset culture when Europeans come over.

The Dancers of Stanton Drew is a song written by Jim Parker and Muriel Holland and performed by The Yetties. It tells the story of Sue and William being turned to stone after dancing on a Sunday in Stanton Drew.

"Stanton Drew in the County of Somerset

That's where the Devil played at Sue's request

They paid the price for dancing on a Sunday

Ever as stones they stand at rest"^[39]