| 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
Caston's name derives from the Old English for "Catt's enclosure", with Catt, referring to wild cats, probably being a nickname.23 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.25
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.89
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 1958.210 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.211
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
References
- "Caston (Parish, United Kingdom) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- 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.