NorfolkCASTONHolyCross(davidCC-BY-2.0)1 David

Holy Cross

With its uniquely thatched Norfolk reed and beautiful canted roof this idyllic village church was founded by Sir John de Caston in 1374 overlooking the village green in the centre of the village.

Caston, Norfolk

Opening times

Generally from dawn to dusk at all times of the year.

Address

The Green
Caston
Norfolk
NR17 1DB

The church is thatched and consists of a nave, chancel, western tower and north porch all built in flint with stone quoins. The tomb of Sir John de Caston, who died in 1374, is reputed to be located in an alcove in the north wall of the nave.

The splendid collared scissor truss roof is barrel shaped with chestnut boarding and painted in barber's pole fashion with gilded bosses. From the chancel roof a fine brass candelabra is suspended containing eighteen candles in two tiers. This may have originally came from Hampton Court Palace. The most ancient seats in the chancel are both on the south side and are misericords. These being hinged which, when turned up, have on their undersides a shelf to provide support for a person standing. The shelves bear beautifully carved heads.

The main west door has an ogee arch, each side being made up of two curves which meet in an apex, an unusual feature in this part of Norfolk. The tower is at the western end of the nave and has six bells. The parvis or priest's room is located in the extreme western end of the north wall of the nave where a flight of spiral steps leads directly into the room. 

The roof was rethatched with Norfolk reed in 2018. 

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Wildlife haven

  • Dog friendly

  • On street parking at church

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Steps to enter the church or churchyard

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • The Church of the Holy Cross is part of the Wayland Benefice. Worship each Sunday rotates around the six parishes. The regular United Benefice Holy Communion Sunday service is at 10.30am.

  • Church of England

  • Cornerstone Grant, £10,000, 2020

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

  • Community Grant, £15,000, 2017

  • Our Community Grants helped churches to install essential facilities such as toilets and kitchens.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Martin

Thompson, Norfolk

St Martin's is a medieval gem that looks much as it did in the 17th century when it was last altered with a rare 14th century scissor braced roof.