The name of Oxton is derived from Ugston,  possibly meaning Town of Ulkhill, which is a Viking name. The upper reaches of the Leader Water flow past the village. In Oxton there is still evidence of the past. There are rings to tie up horses on some of the houses in Station Road. At the rear of the houses on the south side of Station Road runs a much older cobbled “row”, once the main thoroughfare, which is only wide enough to permit the passage of horses and carts. A well has been uncovered in The Row near the old town hall.