Great Casterton

"CASTERTON (GREAT), a parish in the hundred of EAST, county of RUTLAND, 2 miles (N.W. by W.) from Stamford, containing 335 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, with that of Pickworth annexed, in the archdeaconry of Northampton, and diocese of Peterborough, rated in the king's books at £11. 2. 11., and in the patronage of the Marquis of Exeter. The church is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. This was anciently a Roman station, several coins having been discovered; it was subsequently demolished by the Picts and Scots., who ravaged the island as far as Stamford, whence they were driven back to their own territories by the Saxons under Hengist. Its former name was Brig-Casterton, from a bridge over the Gwash, or Wash, here; it received its present prefix to distinguish it from Little Casterton, a small village adjoining. The barony was held by various lords, until it reverted to the crown in 'the reign of Henry VIII., in consequence of its possessor John, Lord Hussey, being attainted of high treason and beheaded at Lincoln, for joining a commotion raised in Lincolnshire, on account of the alterations in religion, and is now the property of the Marquis of Exeter."  [Samuel Lewis A Topographical Dictionary of England (1831) ©Mel Lockie]