The Ashington and 
Draycott Community Page.
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Draycott Community Page.
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Hook Drove

A brief history

The Hook Drove, a medieval cattle track, was presumably instated during the Norman period for the transport of livestock within the former Manor of Draycott. More specifically, it is likely to have been used by livestock between the Manor's Southernmost fields and the probable site of the former settlement (where Draycott Farm is today). 


Such a theory is supported by the Manor's medieval field layout, which was determined by Nicholas Karn through studying the quantities of each type land use recorded in the Domesday Book (see our history page). The central fields of the medieval Manor were too small and concentrated to require a track for livestock, so it can only be assumed that the Hook Drove lead to the pasture to the South.


However, as can be seen on any modern map, the route appears to have once extended further North to Cary Fitzpaine (RNAS Yeovilton is now in the way), and further South to Yeovil Marsh/Yeovil (still in place today). It seems likely that the track has been a right of way for some time. 

The layout of the former Manor of Draycott

Hook Drove: Before farm development

Hook Drove: During farm development

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