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.