The town was formerly known as Drayton in Hales around 1868 and earlier simply as Drayton around 1695. Drayton is recorded in the Domesday Book as a manor in the hundred of Hodnet. It was held by William Pantulf, Lord of Wem, from Roger de Montgomery, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury. It is listed as having a population of just 5 households in 1086, putting it in the smallest 20% of settlements recorded.