DESFORD, a parish in the hundred of SPARKENHOE, county of LEICESTER, 5 miles (E.) from Market- Bosworth, containing, with the hamlet of Barrons-Park, 872 inhabitants. The living is a discharged rectory, in the archdeaconry of Leicester, and diocese of Lincoln, rated in the king's books at £8. 9. 7., and in the patronage of the Crown. The church is dedicated to St. Martin.