Why is ascot called ascot?

Ascot takes its name from its location: East Cote. A cote is a somewhat archaic term for a shelter for mammals and birds, which was probably a notable structure where the village began its existence. As with many Words and names, the two Words blended together in the local dialect so that by the early 1700's when the Ascot racecourse was established, the village had already taken the name of Ascot on maps and the racecourse took its name from its location.