Kresttsy (Krestetsky Pogost) was first mentioned in 1393. At the time, it was a part of Derevskaya Pyatina of the Novgorod Republic. In the end of the 15th century, together with Novgorod, it became a part of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. In the course of the administrative reform carried out in 1708 by Peter the Great, the area was included into Ingermanland Governorate (known since 1710 as Saint Petersburg Governorate). In 1727, separate Novgorod Governorate was split off. In the 18th century, Kresttsy was an important trading settlement, which lied on the road connecting Moscow and Saint Petersburg. In particular, it operated a yam station which also served as a postal service station. In 1776, it was chartered and became the administrative center of Krestetsky Uyezd of Novgorod Viceroyalty. In 1796, the viceroyalty was transformed into Novgorod Governorate. Between 1796 and 1802 the uyezd was abolished, and it was re-established in 1802.