Chesterton or Cestretone (the settlement by the Roman town) derives its name from its proximity to the Roman town of Cambridge which was built around what we now know as Castle Hill. The Normans built a castle on this hill, which came within the parish boundary. It was once a long, straggling place on the north bank of the river Cam, a mile and a half north from Cambridge.

St. Andrew's, near the river, is the parish church.