'Turf' is a late 14th century addition, probably indicating that turf cutting was an important local industry.

The civil parish, which includes the whole of Barton Broad and the smaller village of Irstead at its southern end, has an area of 10.86 km2.

[3] Barton Turf's St Michael and All Angels Church, Barton Turf, about a mile from the clustered village centre, has a large, ornate medieval painted rood screen such as many medieval parishes who could afford fine artisans once had, but which have rarely survived the English Reformation.

[4] Barton Hall, Barton Turf is a house owned by Sir Sidney Peel's noble wife and is a Grade II (starting category) listed building with a typical, of a former manorial farmhouse, fishpond and array of outhouses around a courtyard to the front.

[5] Its walls are brick, partly plastered to appear ashlar (regular, grand stone courses).