Caton, a township and a chapelry in the parish of Lancaster, Lancashire. The township lies on the river Lune and the M.R., 4 1/2 miles NE of Lancaster, includes Littledale hamlet, and has a station on the railway, and a post, money order, and telegraph office under Lancaster. Acreage, 8396; population, 1248. A rising ground commands a noble view, much praised by the poet Gray, of the valley of the Lune, backed by Ingleborough Mountain. There are a cotton mill, some bobbin mills, and a brick and tile manufactory. Various Roman relics have been found. The chapelry comprises all the township. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Manchester; value, £229 with residence. Patron, the Vicar of Lancaster. The church was rebuilt in 1864. There are Congregational, Wesleyan, and Baptist chapels. The Victoria Institute, erected in 1888, comprises reading and recreation rooms and a concert hall. The Manchester Waterworks pass through this township.
