Caston
| Caston | |
| Norfolk | |
|---|---|
 Church of the Holy Cross | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TL955978 |
| Location: | 52°32’35"N, 0°52’59"E |
| Data | |
| Population: | 480 (2021) |
| Post town: | Attleborough |
| Postcode: | NR17 |
| Dialling code: | 01953 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Breckland |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Mid Norfolk |
Caston is a village in Norfolk, found three miles south-east of Watton, five miles north-west of Attleborough, and 18 miles west of Norwich.
At the 2021 census, the village had a population of 480.
History
Caston's name derives from the Old English for "Catt's enclosure", with Catt, referring to wild cats, probably being a nickname.[1][2] In the Domesday Book the village is recorded as a settlement of 57 households in the Wayland Hundred; a church and a mill were recorded. It was divided between the estates of William the Conqueror and William de Warenne.[3]
The three-tiered base of a mediæval 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.[1][4]
During the sixteenth century, Caston was the residence of Edward Gilman, who was one of the earliest recorded ancestors of Abraham Lincoln.
By 1848, the village had a population of 513.[5] Caston Windmill was built in the nineteenth century for Edward Wyer. Today, the mill is in private ownership and is Grade II listed.[6][7]
Amenities
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.[1][8] The church was heavily restored in 1850s and features several mediæval 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 by way of Cheshunt in Hertfordshire.[1][9]
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Caston) |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Aldridge P (2005) Parish Summary: Caston, Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ Place-Names
- ↑ Caston in the Domesday Book
- ↑ "MNF5775 - Norfolk Heritage Explorer". https://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?MNF5775.
- ↑ "Caston - Catterick A Topographical Dictionary of England.". S Lewis, London 1848. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/topographical-dict/england/pp531-534.
- ↑ "Norfolk Mills - Caston tower windmill". https://www.norfolkmills.co.uk/Windmills/caston-towermill.html.
- ↑ Caston mill and granary, Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ National Heritage List 1076784: Church of Holy Cross, Caston (Grade I listing)
- ↑ "Norfolk Churches". http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/caston/caston.htm.