[7] The village of Breaston is clearly visible on the 1648 map of Derbyshire, produced (in Latin) by the Dutch cartographer Joan Blaeu, written as "Braston".

There is the church (St Michael), a primary school, a Methodist chapel, three pubs (three of them still named as they were in 1846 - The Bulls Head, Chequers Inn[9] and The Navigation Inn); a medical centre and a comprehensive range of shops, including a Co-op, located in the centre of the village around the church and the village green.

The green (known as Duffield Close) is said to be one of the largest in the country [citation needed] and an annual May Day Fete is held there.

It was originally called Breaston, but the name was changed to Sawley railway station to avoid confusion with nearby Beeston.

Breaston Park FC, founded in 2007, is a child and youth football structure who have various teams at a range of age levels.