Old Catton is a suburban village and civil parish in the English county of Norfolk which lies to the north-east of central Norwich. The parish is bounded by the Norwich International Airport at Hellesdon to the west and Sprowston to the east. The northern boundary is with the village of Spixworth while the A1042 road forms the southern boundary. It covers an area of and had a population of 5,954 in 2,512 households at the 2001 census, increasing to a population of 6,108 in 2,666 households at the 2011 Census. For the purposes of local government, it falls within the district of Broadland. The village is twinned with the French commune of Lavaré. Historical development The name of Catton most likely means farmstead (or Tun) of a man called Catta, a local tribal leader. Another possible explanation was the presence of wild cats in the area – now depicted on the village sign. The settlement was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Until recent times Catton was an agricultural village but following the late 18th and 19th century development of the Catton Park estate several wealthy Norwich families including the Gurneys, Jewsons, Buxtons, Lindleys, Norman and the Tilletts built their houses here. Old Catton conservation area The conservation area was designated in 1986 and encompasses three important open spaces: Catton Park, Buttercup Meadow, the War Memorial deer park and the historical core of the village: Church Street, Spixworth Road and George Hill. Contained within this area are several listed buildings, significant non– listed buildings, protected trees and parkland. The village today Due to its close proximity to Norwich, the village is a popular residential area. Amenities in Old Catton include a primary and a nursery school, medical practise, veterinary surgery, dental surgery and a range of privately owned businesses. Two public houses; the Maids Head and the Woodman are both located in the centre of the village. The recreation ground adjacent to Church Street is home to the Old Catton Junior Football Club. and the village cricket team which play in the Norfolk Cricket league. Lavare Park is located to the north of the village at Spixworth Road and offers various facilities including a full size football pitch. The park is named after the French commune of Lavaré which is twinned with Old Catton. Notable buildings and structures The Church of St Margaret, is a round tower flint design