| Caston | |
|---|---|
 Church of the Holy Cross | |
  Caston Location within Norfolk | |
| Area | 6.37 km2 (2.46 sq mi) |
| Population | 480 (2021) |
| • Density | 75/km2 (190/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TL955978 |
| Civil parish |
|
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ATTLEBOROUGH |
| Postcode district | NR17 |
| Dialling code | 01953 |
| Police | Norfolk |
| Fire | Norfolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| UK Parliament | |
Caston is a village and civil parish in the English county of Norfolk. It is 3 miles (4.8 km) south-east of Watton, 5 miles (8.0 km) north-west of Attleborough, and 18 miles (29 km) west of Norwich.
At the 2021 census, the village had a population of 480, an increase from 443 at the 2011 census.[1]
History
[edit]
Caston's name derives from the Old English for "Catt's enclosure", with Catt, referring to wild cats, probably being a nickname.[2][3] In the Domesday Book the village is recorded as a settlement of 57 households in the hundred of Wayland; a church and a mill were recorded. It was divided between the estates of William the Conqueror and William de Warenne.[4]
The three-tiered base of a medieval stone cross close to the church is the remains of a cross which is thought to have been a waypoint for pilgrims travelling to Walsingham Priory. The shaft was removed in the 19th century by which point it had become dangerous. The remains are a scheduled monument.[2][5]
During the sixteenth century, Caston was the residence of Edward Gilman, who was one of the earliest recorded ancestors of Abraham Lincoln.[6]
By 1848, the village had a population of 513.[7] Caston Windmill was built in the nineteenth century for Edward Wyer. Today, the mill is in private ownership and is Grade II listed.[8][9]
Amenities
[edit]The Church of the Holy Cross dates from the 13th century, although an older church probably stood on the same site. The building has been Grade I listed since 1958.[2][10] The church was heavily restored in 1850s and features several medieval stained-glass roundels which were re-set after damage during the Second World War. The church also has a grand candelabra, believed to have come which originally from Hampton Court Palace via Cheshunt in Hertfordshire.[2][11]
Caston school is a voluntary aided primary school. It serves the village and surrounding area. After leaving primary school, children usually transfer to Wayland Academy in Watton.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ "Caston (Parish, United Kingdom) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d Aldridge P (2005) Parish Summary: Caston, Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "Key to English Place-names". kepn.nottingham.ac.uk. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ "Caston | Domesday Book". opendomesday.org. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ "MNF5775 - Norfolk Heritage Explorer". www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ "Abraham Lincoln Family Group | Edward Gilman | Ahnentafel No: 516 (7637)". famouskin.com. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ "Caston - Catterick A Topographical Dictionary of England". British History Online. S Lewis, London 1848. Retrieved 22 January 2025.
- ^ "Norfolk Mills - Caston tower windmill". www.norfolkmills.co.uk. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ Caston mill and granary, Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ^ "CHURCH OF HOLY CROSS, Caston - 1076784 | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ "Norfolk Churches". www.norfolkchurches.co.uk. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ Caston Church Of England Primary Academy, Norfolk Schoolfinder, Norfolk County Council. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
