Caston

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]

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]