The village's name means 'farm/settlement of the free peasants'. In 1253, the village was held by William de Curley.[1]
Population
The Domesday Survey listed 24 inhabitants and by 1563 there were 25 households.[2] According to the 2001 census, the parish had a population of 30. The population remained less than 100 at the 2011 census. Details are included in the civil parish of Illston on the Hill.
The Church of St Mary the Virgin
The church was founded in the 11th century. Of the 12th century church building only the lower stages of the tower remain. The old church, with the exception of the tower and north chapel, was demolished in 1767 and rebuilt in red brick with stone buttresses. In 1880-81 the building was restored, re-roofed and the interior was refitted.[2]
^ abLee, J. M.; McKinley, R. A. (1964). "Carlton Curlieu". A History of the County of Leicestershire: Volume 5, Gartree Hundred. London, UK: Victoria County History. pp. 77–81. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015 – via British History Online.