[2] The name of the village (known in medieval times as 'Broctune') means Brook Farm (settlement by a stream), being derived from the Old English brōc and tūn.

[4][5] Warsett Hill tops the large Huntcliffe which was the site of one of the many Roman signal stations built along the east coast to defend against Anglo-Saxon attack.

Brotton was one of a number of manors granted by William the Conqueror to Robert de Brus, Lord of Skelton.

[6] Over recent years Brotton has become somewhat isolated because of a bypass which was opened in stages between 1998 and 2001 connecting the town of Skelton-in-Cleveland and village of Carlin How.

[13] The village contains a parade of shops on High Street, and its public houses include The Green Tree and The Queen's Arms.