NESTON (GREAT), a parish in the higher division of the hundred of WIRRALL, county palatine of CHESTER, comprising the market-town of Great Neston, and the townships of Ledsham, Leighton, Ness, Little Neston, Raby, Thornton-Mayow, and Willaston, and containing 3216 inhabitants, of which number, 1418 are in the market-town of Great Neston, 11 miles (N.W.) from Chester, and 191? (N.W.) from London. The town is pleasantly situated on the south-west side of a peninsula, formed by the aestuaries of the rivers Dee and Mersey, and derives its chief support from visitors, during the summer months, for the benefit of bathing; races are held on Whit-Monday and the two following days. The canal between the Mersey and the Dee passes near this town. The market is on Friday; and fairs are held, February 2nd, May 29th; and September 29th, for cattle. A court leet and haron is held annually; a court for the recovery of debts throughout the hundred of Wirrall, every monthj and petty sessions. The living is a vicarage, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Chester, rated in the king's books at £11. 5., and in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter of Chester. The church is dedicated to St. Mary and St. Helen. There are places of worship for Independents and Wesleyan Methodists. A National school is supported by voluntary contributions; and there is a savings bank.