Castleacre Genealogical Records

Castleacre Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Castleacre Baptism Records (1710-1812)

A printed register recording the baptism of children at Castleacre. This work essentially records births in and around Castleacre between 1710 and 1812.

Castleacre Baptism Records (1600-1707)

A printed book recording baptisms held in the church of Castleacre. These records essentially record births in and around Castleacre between 1600 and 1707. Details may include residence, father's occupation and more.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Castleacre Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Castleacre Marriages (1710-1813)

Details of those who were married at the church between 1710 and 1813. Information given may include parents' names, ages, marital status, abode and more.

Castle Acre Marriage Index (1600-1813)

Marriage records from people who married at the church between 1600 and 1813.

Castleacre Marriage Records (1710-1812)

A printed register documenting marriages at Castleacre. They may list residence, marital status and witnesses.

Castleacre Marriage Records (1600-1707)

A printed book recording marriages solemnised at Castleacre between 1600 AND 1707. Details may include residence, marital status and witnesses.

Castleacre Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Castleacre Burial Records (1710-1812)

A printed register documenting the burial of people in Castleacre churchyard. They may list the age of the deceased, their residence and name of relations.

Castleacre Burial Records (1600-1707)

A printed register recording burials in the churchyard of Castleacre. These records essentially record deaths in and around Castleacre between 1600 and 1707.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Castleacre Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Norfolk Electoral Rolls (1844-1952)

Digital images recording those eligible to vote in part of Norfolk.

Norfolk Poll Books (1714-1865)

Books recording votes cast in elections. These records name freeholders, and sometimes their tenants.

Norfolk and Norwich Hearth Tax Assessment (1666)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1666 for the county of Norfolk.

Newspapers Covering Castleacre

Norfolk News (1845-1870)

A record of births, marriages, deaths, legal, political, organisation and other news from the Norfolk area. Original pages of the newspaper can be viewed and located by a full text search.

Norfolk Chronicle (1776-1869)

Regional news; notices of births, marriages and deaths; business notices; details on the proceedings of public institutions; adverts and a rich tapestry of other regional information from the Norfolk district. Every line of text from the newspaper can be searched and images of the original pages viewed.

Bury and Norwich Post (1801-1900)

A regional newspaper covering news and events in Norfolk and Suffolk. The newspaper contains numerous notices and articles useful to family historians, such as notices of birth, marriage and death.

The Colchester Gazette and General Advertiser (1814-1817)

A newspaper covering Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. Around 50% of issues from 1814-1817. Original images, searchable by an OCR index.

The Daily Herald (1926)

A London newspaper that later became The Sun.

Castleacre Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Norwich Diocese Probate Index (1751-1818)

A searchable index to early wills proved in the Court of the Bishop of Norwich. Contains the name of the testator, year of probate, residence and occupation.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Admon Index (1559-1660)

An index to estate administrations performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. The index covers the southern two thirds of England & Wales, but may also contain entries for northerners.

Norwich Diocese Probate Index (1370-1603)

A searchable index to early wills proved in the Court of the Bishop of Norwich. Contains the name of the testator, year of probate, residence and occupation.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Probate Abstracts (1630-1654)

A searchable database of mid-17th Century probates performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. Supplies details of testator and executor.

Castleacre Immigration & Travel Records

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

17th Century British Emigrants to the U.S. (1600-1700)

Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.

Castleacre Military Records

Castleacre WWI Roll of Honour (1914-1918)

Details of those who died in WWI.

Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

British Prisoners of World War II (1939-1945)

Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.

British Army WWI Medal Rolls (1914-1920)

Index and original images of over 5 million medal index cards for British soldiers It can be searched by individual's name, Coprs, Unit and Regiment. Due to the loss of many WWI service records, this is the most complete source for British WWI soldiers

British Army WWI Service Records (1914-1920)

This rich collection contains contains records for 1.9 million non-commissioned officers and other ranks who fought in WWI. Due to bomb damage in WWI, around 60% of service records were lost. Documents cover: enlistment, medical status, injuries, conduct, awards and discharge. A great deal of genealogical and biographical documentation can be found in these documents, including details on entire families, physical descriptions and place of birth.

Norfolk Poor Law Union Records (1796-1900)

Over 130,000 browsable pages detailing the administration of the dependent poor in Norfolk. Records contain details on births, marriages & deaths; punishments; admissions and discharges and more.

Norfolk Poll Books (1714-1865)

Books recording votes cast in elections. These records name freeholders, and sometimes their tenants.

Suffolk Eyre Roll Civil Pleas (1240)

Transcriptions and translations of pleas brought before a court. They largely concern land disputes. A number of cases relate to Suffolk.

Act Books of the Archbishops of Canterbury (1663-1859)

An index to names and places mentioned in act books of the Province of Canterbury. It records various licences and conferments, such as marriage and physician licences.

Home Office Prison Calendars (1868-1929)

Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.

Castleacre Taxation Records

Poll Book for Norfolk East (1865)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Poll Books for Norfolk (1768-1817)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted. Covers various years.

Norfolk and Norwich Hearth Tax Assessment (1666)

A transcription of the Lady Day hearth tax for 1666 for the county of Norfolk.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Castleacre Land & Property Records

Poll Book for Norfolk East (1865)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted.

Poll Books for Norfolk (1768-1817)

A list of those who voted in the election, stating their residence and for who they voted. Covers various years.

Norfolk Electoral Rolls (1844-1952)

Digital images recording those eligible to vote in part of Norfolk.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Castleacre Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1937)

A directory of settlements in Norfolk detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1933)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1929)

A directory of settlements in Norfolk detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1916)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1912)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Castleacre Cemeteries

Norfolk Monumental Inscriptions (1600-1999)

Browsable images of booklets containing transcriptions of hundreds-of-thousands of gravestones and other memorials. Maps are included to help locate memorials.

Norfolk Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Norfolk's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Norfolk Monumental Inscriptions (1700-1985)

An index to vital details engraved on over 5,000 gravestones and other monuments across the county of Norfolk.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Castleacre Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Castleacre Histories & Books

Picture Norfolk (1800-1950)

A database containing over 16,000 photographs, sketches and other images of the county.

Victoria County History: Norfolk (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

The History of Norfolk (1000-1810)

A detailed history of the county – its hundreds and parishes.

Handbook: Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk & Cambridgeshire (1892)

A traveller's guide to four Southern counties.

Norfolk Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Norfolk.

Castleacre School & Education Records

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Castleacre Occupation & Business Records

Norfolk Pubs (1300-Present)

Thousands of profiles of Norfolk pubs, arranged by location. Contains photographs, names of licensees or landlords, architectural details, name changes, historical extracts and more.

Smuggling on the East Coast (1600-1892)

An introduction to smuggling on the east coast of England, with details of the act in various regions.

Norfolk Mills (1600-Present)

Profiles and photographs of steam, water and windmills in the county.

Norfolk & Norwich Hospital (1744-1883)

A history of the early period of Norwich's hospital.

Lost Pubs of Norfolk (1750-Present)

Short histories of former public houses, with photographs and lists of owners or operators.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Castleacre

The Visitation of Norfolk, Vol. 2 (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms. This volume also includes a number of transcripts of wills, inquisitions post mortems and other records.

The Visitation of Norfolk (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms.

Victoria County History: Norfolk (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Castleacre Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

The Visitation of Norfolk, Vol. 2 (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms. This volume also includes a number of transcripts of wills, inquisitions post mortems and other records.

The Visitation of Norfolk (1563)

Pedigrees of Norfolk gentry families, including descriptions of their arms.

Victoria County History: Norfolk (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

The Visitation of Norfolk: 1664 (1000-1664)

Pedigrees compiled from a mid 17th century heraldic visitation of Norfolk. This work records the lineage, descendants and marriages of families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Norfolk Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Norfolk's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Castleacre Church Records

Castleacre Parish Registers (1600-1812)

A printed book comprised of baptism, marriage and burial transcriptions from the registers of the church at Castleacre. These records document relations between people, detail where they live and may offer other details such as occupations.

Norfolk Parish Map (1835)

A map delineating parishes in the county of Norfolk.

Norfolk Bishop's Transcripts (1685-1941)

Browsable images of summaries of registers of baptisms, marriages and burials.

Norfolk Archdeacon's Transcripts (1600-1812)

Browsable images of copies of Norfolk parish registers that were sent to the Bishop of Norfolk.

Norfolk Parish Registers (1538-1900)

An index to baptisms, marriages and burials in Norfolk parish registers. Images of the registers can be viewed separately.

Biographical Directories Covering Castleacre

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

The Concise Dictionary of National Biography (1654-1930)

A directory containing lengthy biographies of noted British figures. The work took over two decades to compile. Biographies can be searched by name and are linked to images of the original publication.

Castleacre Maps

Norfolk Parish Map (1835)

A map delineating parishes in the county of Norfolk.

Norfolk Historic Maps (1780-1988)

An online application that allows you to browse several types of maps, including tithe maps, enclosure maps and aerial photography.

Faden’s Map of Norfolk (1794)

A map charting settlements, streets, rivers, natural features etc.

Maps of Norfolk (1588-1922)

Digital images of maps covering the county.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Castleacre Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

Castleacre is a parish in the hundred of Free bridge-Lynn, three miles from Swaffham, and ninety-five from London. At the conquest this place belonged to the great Earl Warren, and is said to have derived its name from being situated in a field. From the possession of the noble family of the Warrens, it came to the FitzAlans, Earls of Arundel, the Howards, &c. and then to the late Earl of Leicester’s heirs. The castle occupied the northern side of a gently sloping hill, and consisted of three parts, or divisions, all connected; but each separately fortified with valla, fossa, and walls. The earthworks are still very bold, and large masses of the wall remain. "The ruins of this castle," says Captain Grose, "are very extensive; and, from their commanding situation, it must have been very strong. The keep, or citadel, was circular, defended on three sides by a deep ditch, and on the south side by a strong wall, at the foot of which runs a river. Before the south side of the keep was a considerable area, perhaps used as a parade, to draw up and exercise the garrison; on the east side whereof are the remains of a gate, or rather wall, running across the ditch, having a sort of covered way, serving to flank or command it." On the west side of the citadel are the remains of a gate, leading into the outer court or ward of the castle, where are the ruins of many buildings, probably once the dwelling of artificers and servants belonging to this fortress, as also the barracks of that part of the garrison not immediately on duty; these form a kind of street, running north and south, and having a gate at each end: that on the north side is in tolerable repair. The time when this castle was built is not known, nor has either history or tradition preserved the name of its builder.

Mr. Gough is of opinion that this was a Roman station, a vast square ditch running among, or be hind the houses, to the right of the road, through the town gate, to which gate another corresponds. The road called the Pedlar's Way, runs from the north gate of the castle, by Castle Acre, and Ashwicken, by Fring and Ringstead, to Brancaster and the sea. There is little doubt but this was a Roman road, leading from Thetford to Brancaster; strong traces of its form, breadth, &c. are still to be seen in many parts, particularly between Harpley Downs and Anmer; and some years since, on the west side of this road, in the parish of Fring, some labourers, in ditching, broke up the remains of a pavement, apparently Roman, which the country people, the discovery happening during the time of a fair in the village, broke up, and carried away great part of. Mr. Goodwin, the owner of the ground, as soon as he received information of it, ordered, the spot to be carefully covered up, for the future inspection of antiquaries. Coins of Vespasian, Constantine, &c. and a cornelian seal, with an emperor’s head, and a fine Faustina, shewn by Mr. Thorne, the vicar, to Mr. Gough, have been found here.

William de Warren, first Earl of Surrey, and Gundreda, his wife, going on a pilgrimage to Rome, in their way visited several religious houses, to offer up their orisons, among others the abbey of Clugny, in Burgundy, where, being respectfully entertained by the prior and convent, they were so delighted with the behaviour of the religious, that they were resolved to found an abbey for the monks of the Cluniac order, and they obtained four monks of that order. In the year 1085, they began to found an abbey here, for twelve monks; it was dedicated to St. Mary, and made subordinate to a monastery the earl had founded at Lewes, in Sussex. To this monastery Earl Warren gave the churches of Castleacre, Methwold, Ledinchirch, Wilkemer, and Trunch; these benefactions were confirmed by his son William, in three different charters, with donations of his own, and divers other persons.

Herbert, Bishop of Norwich, granted his licence for founding this priory, and directed tithes to be paid to it, and Ebrad, bishop of that diocese, confirmed the same. In the twenty-fourth year of Edward the First, the estates of this house were seized upon, under pretence of its beingan alien priory; but sufficient proof being made that it was in no respect subject to the power or assessment of any foreign prince or monastery, except only that it was visited by the Abbot of Clugny, when he came into England, in the 34th year of the same monarch, its privileges and possessions were restored; and Edward the Second, in the 18th year of his reign, ordained that it should not be any way molested as foreign, it having in his father’s time been proved and declared indigenous or native. The revenues of this community were valued, in the 26th year of Henry the Eighth, at 306l. 11s. 4d. Bishop Tanner says, it was granted by Henry the Eighth to Thomas, Duke of Norfolk. It has since successively belonged to Sir Thomas Gresham, and Lord Lovel. It was subsequently purchased by the late Earl of Leicester, and is now in possession of his heirs.

The Rev. Mr. Parkins, in his Topographical History of Freebridge hundred and a half, in the county of Norfolk, informs us, that on November 12, 1533, Thomas Mailing, prior of this abbey, and his convent, surrendered the priory. Seven of the monks, whose names are specified by Mr. Parkins, were found guilty of the most notorious incontinence and uncleanness.

The site of the priory church lies west of the castle; it was a venerable large Gothic pile of freestone, flint, &c. and built in a cathedral or conventual manner. Part of the front or west end is still remaining, where the principal entrance was through a grand arch, over which was a stately window; on each side of the great door were doors to enter into the north and south aisles, under the tower, as the grand doors served for an entrance into the nave or body. At the north and south end of this front or west end, stood two towers, supported by strong arches and pillars. The nave or body had twelve great pillars, making seven arches on each side, the lowest joining to the towers. On the east side of the nave stood the grand tower, supported by four great pillars, through which was the entrance into the choir. On the south and north sides of this tower, were two cross aisles or transepts, and at the end of the north transept there seems to have been a chapel or vestry. The choir was of equal breadth with the nave and aisle, but much shorter, and at the east end of it was in form of a chapel.

The cloister was on the south side of the church, and had an entrance into it at the west end of the south aisle, near the tower, and another at the east end of the same aisle, near the grand tower. The chapter house seems to have joined to the east side of the cloister, and the dormitory to have been over the west part. West of the cloister, and adjoining, was the prior’s apartments, now converted into a farmhouse. In a large room above stairs, now called the Prior’s Dining Room, is a curious bow window of stone, consisting of nine panels: in the first were the arms of the priory, painted on the glass; in the second the arms of the Earl of Arundel and Earl Warren quartered, but now broke and gone; in the third Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk; fourth, the red and white rose united, and a crown over it; fifth, France and England; sixth, the rose, &c. as above; seventh, Earl Warren’s arms; eighth, the Earl of Arundel’s; and ninth, the priory arms. It appears that this window was built by John Winchelsea, prior, in the reign of Henry the Seventh.

In another room, a few years past, was a broken portraiture of one of the Earls of Arundel, in armour, with a broadsword in his hand. The site of this priory took in several acres. The grand entrance was north of the priory church, which is now standing, a large and stately gatehouse, of free stone. Over the arch, as you enter, are the arms of the Earl Warren, Earl of Arundel, &c. The whole site was enclosed with a lofty stone wall, part of which is now standing.

Many persons of quality were buried here, especially those who held lordships, or were benefactors to the priory. The ruins of the priory of Castleacre, are the finest and most venerable of any now remaining in this county. In 1769, Mr. Blomfield, the topographical historian of Norfolk, dug in the priory for the body of the founder; but he was buried at Lewes: he married Gundreda or Gundred, a daughter of William the Conqueror, whose body was found wrapped in lead, at Lewes, in 1775.

The parish church of Castleacre is a large building, and displays some curious and ancient specimens of architecture, also various pieces of stained glass, and a few ancient monuments. Near Newton, on the left, is Lexham, the seat of Colonel Keppell.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

CASTLE ACRE is a village and parish, on the river Nar, 4 ½ miles north from Swaffham station, on the Lynn and Dereham section of the Great Eastern railway, in the North Western division of the county, hundred, petty sessional division and union of Freebridge Lynn, county court district of Swaffham, rural deanery and archdeaconry of Lynn and diocese of Norwich. The Nar abounds with trout, but is not navigable at this point. The church of St. James is a structure of flint, in the Early English and Perpendicular styles, consisting of chancel, clerestoried nave of five bays, aisles, transept, north porch and an embattled western tower with pinnacles, containing a clock and five bells: of the oak rood screen, the panelling, painted with tracery and figures of saints, still remains: the hexagonal pulpit is also panelled and painted like the screen: the church was restored in 1875, and has 550 sittings. The register dates from about 1598, but is very imperfect till the year 1873. The living is a vicarage, annexed to that of Newton by Castle Acre, average tithe rent-charge £201, joint net yearly value £277, with 6 ½ acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of the Earl of Leicester K.G. who has two turns, and the Bishop of Norwich, who has one turn, and held since 1890 by the Rev. John Thomas Powell. There are Baptist, Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist chapels. The charities are of £2 10s. yearly value. Fairs are held on the 1st of May and the 5th of August, for toys. Here are extensive remains of early British and Roman earthworks, besides the ruins of a castle, supposed to be of Saxon or Norman date. In the autumn of 1891 some excavations of an ancient cemetery, on the farm of Mr. Hudson, at the western limit of this parish, were carried out at the expense of Henry Willett esq. of Brighton, under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Jessopp F.S.A, rector of Scarning, and resulted in the finding of nearly 100 urns, more or less perfect, in an area of about half an acre; the urns were very rude in pattern and of extremely coarse pottery, and contained charred human bones with fragments of iron, brass and bone ornaments: the extent of ground in which these urns were found, and the large number deposited, indicated that the cemetery must have been used by a community which occupied this district for a considerable time, probably several generations, and the latest date that can be reasonably assigned to these crematory burials is the 7th century of the present era. Here was formerly a Cluniac priory, founded in 1085, by William de Warrenne, Earl of Surrey, as a cell to the priory of Lewes, but made independent 47 Edw. III.(1373—4); the Late Norman west front is in good preservation and has a recessed doorway and arcaded walls on either side the frame of a Perpendicular window: on the south-west is a Transitional Norman tower, and there are remains of the Norman chapter house and of a staircase leading to the dormitory, and on the west side of the garth is a Perpendicular chapel and cellarage with rooms over: at its dissolution there were 10 canons and revenues estimated at £296. The Earl of Leicester K.G., L.L. is lord of the manor, lay impropriator and chief landowner. The soil is light sandy loam; the subsoil is chalk. The chief crops are wheat, barley and turnips. The area is 3,246 acres of land and 14 of water; rateable value, £4,029; the population in 1891 was 1,232.

National School, built in 1873 (for the four parishes of Castle Acre, South Acre, West Lexham & Newton), for 349 children; average attendance, 270.

Kelly's Directory of Norfolk (1896)

Most Common Surnames in Castleacre

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Freebridge Lynn Hundred
1Taylor331:401.63%8
1Harrison331:403.98%63
3Sculpher281:4844.44%1,340
4Smith271:490.37%1
5Moore251:531.18%6
6Green211:640.85%4
6Mason211:642.56%64
8Bloy191:7021.11%1,012
9Churchman171:7925.37%1,279
9Bloye171:7956.67%2,244
11Garner161:839.04%528
11Chilvers161:833.76%188
11Bonas161:83100.00%3,214
14Stacey151:8912.30%758
15Clarke141:950.59%5
15Birch141:9516.87%1,088
15Drew141:952.97%158
15Hensby141:9518.18%1,154
19Turner131:1030.90%21
19Bell131:1031.23%34
21Gamble121:1114.80%354
21Wicks121:1115.11%382
21Bullen121:1113.30%230
21Banner121:11192.31%3,581
21Yull121:11116.90%1,226
21Whiskerd121:11146.15%2,446
27Spencer111:1213.85%300
27Mobbs111:1216.25%535
27Skipper111:1212.07%134
27Belsham111:12129.73%1,964
31Hudson101:1341.27%71
31Stapleton101:1349.80%910
31Goose101:1343.88%341
31Willgress101:13411.90%1,080
31Bolderon101:134100.00%4,171
36Bennett91:1481.64%129
36Church91:1483.33%321
36Barratt91:14817.31%1,572
36Pooley91:1483.08%292
36Skeet91:14812.86%1,239
36Yallop91:1483.35%322
42Lawrence81:1673.38%379
42Rowe81:1672.22%233
42Cobb81:1674.26%482
42Hawes81:1672.22%233
42Wingfield81:16730.77%2,446
42High81:1671.58%144
42Elvin81:1673.39%380
42Springle81:16772.73%3,946
42Hensbey81:16766.67%3,756
51Wilson71:1910.47%19
51Clark71:1910.91%75
51Williamson71:1911.11%99
51Waters71:1911.37%143
51Savage71:1911.72%201
51Greaves71:1915.26%707
51Coe71:1911.17%108
51Addison71:1915.88%781
51Brunton71:1913.63%466
51Plumb71:1917.07%932
51Gage71:1914.83%654
51Raby71:1915.88%781
51Thrower71:1911.77%208
51Tipple71:1917.37%969
51Gostling71:1914.61%624
51Glasswell71:19120.00%2,038
67Edwards61:2230.51%26
67Baker61:2230.41%20
67Young61:2232.28%332
67Howard61:2230.31%10
67Reynolds61:2230.73%65
67Bird61:2230.70%55
67Barrett61:2230.62%44
67Jennings61:2238.11%1,179
67Archer61:2232.40%354
67Fuller61:2230.60%40
67Waller61:2231.35%175
67Wheatley61:22327.27%2,687
67Child61:2234.76%736
67Bloom61:2232.93%432
67Cawthorne61:22318.75%2,143
67Shilling61:22316.67%1,994
67Moy61:2232.18%312
67Oldman61:2236.82%1,031
67Cadge61:22320.00%2,244
67Engledow61:22310.53%1,470
67Howerd61:223100.00%5,754
67Whiskard61:22360.00%4,171
67Goslting61:22375.00%4,793
67Hinesby61:223100.00%5,754
91Wright51:2670.16%2
91Webb51:2670.96%137
91Barnes51:2670.42%27
91Pearson51:2671.37%228
91Lowe51:2672.87%539
91Rose51:2670.89%120
91Barnett51:26715.15%2,106
91Manning51:2671.67%283
91Reeve51:2670.36%23
91Bowers51:2672.63%476
91Howes51:2670.40%25
91Earl51:2672.00%354
91Claxton51:2670.71%87
91Bartle51:2675.88%1,062
91Havers51:2674.90%910
91Yale51:26762.50%4,793
91Peeling51:2676.17%1,111
91Everington51:26771.43%5,200
91Litting51:267100.00%6,392
110Watson41:3340.27%18
110Fox41:3340.32%24
110Potter41:3340.62%96
110Nicholls41:3341.95%432
110Roper41:3341.67%374
110Hook41:3341.50%328
110Kettle41:3344.12%950
110Cheeseman41:33430.77%3,581
110Collyer41:33422.22%3,014
110Watling41:3341.19%254
110Bussey41:3341.51%331
110Warnes41:3340.64%101
110Wortley41:3343.96%918
110Benstead41:3343.36%781
110Hilling41:3343.08%720
110Bilham41:3342.03%452
110Howel41:33440.00%4,171
110Asker41:3345.00%1,121
110Dias41:334100.00%7,164
110Pightling41:33430.77%3,581
110Lodes41:334100.00%7,164
110Franklynn41:334100.00%7,164
132Walker31:4450.29%36
132Ward31:4450.17%12
132Chapman31:4450.17%13
132Hunter31:4450.86%246
132Woods31:4450.28%32
132Curtis31:4450.48%102
132Jarvis31:4450.53%120
132Simmons31:4450.91%259
132Simmonds31:4453.30%1,004
132Hendry31:4451.59%479
132Grimes31:4450.71%190
132Simms31:4459.68%2,193
132Nichol31:44525.00%3,756
132Moulton31:4453.09%950
132Purdy31:4451.55%463
132Capes31:4454.62%1,309
132Gull31:44511.11%2,393
149Roberts21:6680.28%84
149Robinson21:6680.34%113
149Rogers21:6680.49%198
149Fisher21:6680.24%59
149Pearce21:6680.35%119
149McLean21:6687.14%2,333
149Reed21:6680.90%404
149Holland21:6680.85%386
149Hardy21:6680.47%187
149Holden21:6681.00%442
149Winter21:6680.47%185
149Pitt21:6682.70%1,179
149Nicholas21:6683.08%1,309
149Boyce21:6680.65%275
149Anthony21:6684.08%1,638
149Riches21:6680.15%22
149Cann21:6681.09%498
149Raven21:6680.94%419
149Pitcher21:6680.47%192
149Monaghan21:668100.00%9,303
149Merritt21:668100.00%9,303
149Tye21:6682.60%1,154
149Neave21:6680.45%172
149Rye21:6681.75%820
149Shearing21:6681.14%535
149Hambling21:6682.04%937
149Guttridge21:6686.67%2,244
149Leeds21:6681.53%714
149Bonfield21:66850.00%7,164
149Hooks21:6680.85%386
149Gotts21:6680.91%406
149Curtiss21:6684.44%1,732
149Graver21:6680.85%382
149Girdlestone21:6681.41%665
149Duffell21:66833.33%5,754
149Cator21:6681.56%726
149Tuffs21:6682.53%1,134
149Foulsham21:6682.82%1,226
149Sycamore21:66815.38%3,581
149Terrington21:6682.63%1,163
149Fake21:6684.55%1,761
149Simmon21:66850.00%7,164
149Gagen21:6683.33%1,406
149Wars21:668100.00%9,303
149Engledon21:66822.22%4,436
149Thurrold21:668100.00%9,303
195Brown11:1,3350.03%3
195Thompson11:1,3350.06%14
195Allen11:1,3350.07%17
195Miller11:1,3350.12%66
195Richardson11:1,3350.21%156
195Robertson11:1,3350.55%506
195Carter11:1,3350.09%29
195Bailey11:1,3350.10%42
195Barker11:1,3350.08%28
195Gibson11:1,3350.25%209
195Dixon11:1,3350.23%181
195Harvey11:1,3350.09%33
195Wells11:1,3350.13%68
195Lane11:1,3350.27%224
195Lambert11:1,3350.14%83
195Banks11:1,3351.47%1,269
195Nelson11:1,3350.22%166
195Howell11:1,3350.23%183
195Love11:1,3350.60%568
195Prior11:1,3350.66%624
195Kendall11:1,3351.37%1,197
195Clare11:1,3350.61%573
195Spooner11:1,3350.26%216
195Steward11:1,3350.15%97
195Ewing11:1,3351.20%1,088
195Whitmore11:1,3350.71%673
195Winfield11:1,3352.94%2,077
195Wales11:1,3350.56%523
195Seal11:1,33514.29%5,200
195Dye11:1,3350.12%61
195Carlton11:1,3351.61%1,361
195Easter11:1,3350.34%287
195Melton11:1,3350.38%338
195Dack11:1,3350.19%141
195Basford11:1,335100.00%11,117
195Waites11:1,3353.13%2,143
195Mower11:1,3351.14%1,031
195Daines11:1,3350.54%490
195Grounds11:1,33510.00%4,171
195Roberson11:1,3351.15%1,040
195Armes11:1,3350.51%456
195Whisker11:1,3352.38%1,813
195Lange11:1,33516.67%5,754
195Slipper11:1,3351.15%1,040
195Mappin11:1,33525.00%7,164
195Loads11:1,3350.59%552
195Coldham11:1,3351.19%1,080
195Ruskin11:1,335100.00%11,117
195Sainty11:1,3351.72%1,447
195Gooderson11:1,3351.64%1,387
195Cooker11:1,33510.00%4,171
195Muffett11:1,3352.13%1,686
195Wilken11:1,3355.56%3,014
195Darkins11:1,3357.14%3,456
195Mitchley11:1,3351.67%1,406
195Winkfield11:1,3353.70%2,393
195Matsell11:1,3351.18%1,062
195Magan11:1,335100.00%11,117
195Gurner11:1,335100.00%11,117
195Aggas11:1,3359.09%3,946
195Backham11:1,3354.35%2,618
195Kurby11:1,33550.00%9,303
195Dorant11:1,33550.00%9,303
195Arnstein11:1,335100.00%11,117
195McKerson11:1,335100.00%11,117
195Aitton11:1,335100.00%11,117