In the early days, Carlton was a small township within the manor and parish of Gedling, home to farmers and framework knitters.

Its strategic location on the edge of Nottingham and proximity to railways led to a steady increase in the population from the 1840s.

The establishment of the Carlton Urban District Council in 1849 marked a significant milestone, recognising the township's new status.

The town has an NG4 postcode, and is well-connected to Nottingham and other nearby areas through a network of road connections, such as the B686, as well as frequent public transport services.

The town's geography has played a significant role in its development, with its proximity to Nottingham making it a desirable residential area for those working within the city.

Carlton Laundry on Primrose Street is a Grade II listed building by Watson Fothergill.

St Paul's was closed in 1983 after many years and attempts to find a new site and financing for a new building were unsuccessful.

[citation needed] St. Paul's Church, Carlton-in-the-Willows was built by Henry Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon and consecrated in 1885.

Located at the bottom of Carlton Hill, off Church Street, it is built in the style of a Roman Basilica and resides in the diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.