LONGFORD, a parish in the hundred of APPLETREE,
county of DERBY, comprising the townships of
Alkmonton, Hollington, and Longford, the liberty of
Hungry-Bentley, and the hamlet of Rodsley, and containing
1264 inhabitants, of which number, 573 are in the
township of Longford, 6 miles (S. by E.) from Ashbourn.
The living is a discharged vicarage, in the archdeaconry
of Derby, and diocese of Lichfield and Coventry, rated
in the king's books at £3. 8. 9., and in the patronage
of Thomas William Coke, Esq. The church, dedicated
to St. Chad, has some portions in the Norman style of
architecture, and three stone stalls in the chancel. In
1688, Dame Catherine Coke bequeathed land for the
education and apprenticing of poor children: the income
is £20 per annum; twenty poor boys are instructed
by a master, and other children by a schoolmistress.
In 1687, Sir Robert Coke, Bart., founded an almshouse
for six poor men or women, and endowed it with £55
per annum, £ 10 of which is paid to the vicar, whose
duty it is to read prayers to the almspeople. The
foundations of some ancient religious house may be
traced at Alkmonton.