Norfolk - Caston

Francis White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory, of Norfolk 1854, pp. 860-861

CASTON, 3½ miles S.E. of Watton, is a pleasant village and parish, comprising 545 inhabitants, 125 houses, and 1,540 acres of land, mostly the property of Sir Wm. B. Smijth, Esq., and Mrs. Barker ; the former is lord of the manor of Caston Hall, but part of the parish is in the manors of Newlands, Griston, and Scoulton. The Church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, is a large structure with a tower and six bells. Fifteen years ago the high square pews were replaced with neat oak sittings, with carved stall-heads, and last year a new roof was placed on the nave and chancel, both being covered with slate instead of thatch, as before. Considerable repairs are still in operation, for which the parishioners are chiefly indebted to the liberality of the patron. The rectory, valued in the King's book at £11 9s. 2d., is in the patronage of Henry Dover, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. W. J. Partridge, who has 52a. of glebe, and a yearly rent of £517 5s. in lieu of tithes. The Wesleyans have a chapel here, and on the green is the base of an ancient cross. An allotment of 25a., awarded to 34 ancient houses and cottages in 1813, is let for £8. One acre of land was allotted at the same time to the surveyors of the roads, and 2a. 0r. 35p. to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor. Here is a National school attended by about 60 children.

Post Office at James Osborn's : letters arrive at 9.30 a.m., and are despatched at 5 p.m.