Carleton Rode

History

Early settlement in the parish dates to the prehistoric period with a range of archaeological finds from the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic. An Iron Age hoard was discovered in 2004 and Roman era objects have been found at more than 20 sites, with the possibility that a Roman road ran along the western edge of the parish.

Settlement continued in to the Saxon period, with many of the Roman sites continuing in use. In the Domesday Book the parish is recorded as Carletuna, a name of Anglo-Saxon or Norse origin meaning "enclosure of the free peasants". It is recorded as a settlement of 43 households in the hundred of Depwade, with manors divided between the estates of William the Conqueror, Alan of Brittany, William de Warenne, Roger Bigod and Eudo, son of Spirewic. The village had two churches at this time, one of which is likely to have been on the site of the current parish church. The location of the other church is unknown.

Rode was added to the parish name at some point during the medieval period, possibly in the 14th century when Robert de Rode held land in the parish. During this period the deer park associated with Buckenham Castle extended as far as the western boundary of the parish.

Carleton Rode was the site of a semaphore telegraph station which connected the Admiralty in London to the fleet in Great Yarmouth.

In 1960, an Orlit Post was constructed for the Royal Observer Corps which remained in use until 1968, when it was abandoned.

Amenities

Carleton Rode Primary School is a Church of England school located within the village.

The GP2 Series racing team, iSport International has its factory and headquarters in Carleton Rode.

All Saints' Church

The remaining church in the parish dates to the 13th century is Grade I listed. It is dedicated to All Saints. The tower was partially rebuilt in 1717 after it had collapsed and the roof was rebuilt during the 19th century. Internally the church has a rood screen depicting twelve saints which dates from the 15th century.

References

References

1. "Carleton Rode (Parish, United Kingdom) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location".
2. Robertson D (2006) [https://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?TNF235 Carleton Rode], Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
3. A hoard of more than 20 [[Bronze Age]] metal objects was discovered in 1844, and [[Beaker pottery]] from the same period suggests settlement during this period.[https://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?mnf10022 Bronze Age metalwork hoard], Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
4. [https://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?mnf9219 Possible Roman road and medieval deer park boundary], Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
5. [https://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?mnf14978 Site of post medieval telegraph station], Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
6. [https://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?mnf11809 Cold War Royal Observer Corps site], Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
7. website, Carleton Rode C. of E. Va Primary School. "Home".
8. enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk, Ofsted Communications Team. (2024-07-19). "Find an inspection report and registered childcare".
9. "CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS, Carleton Rode - 1305560 {{!}} Historic England".
10. [https://www.heritage.norfolk.gov.uk/record-details?mnf10039 All Saints' Church, Carleton Rode], Norfolk Heritage Explorer. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
11. Knott S (2023) [http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/carletonrode/carletonrode.htm All Saints, Carlton Rode], Norfolk Churches. Retrieved 12 October 2025.