TARPORLEY, a parish in the first division of the
hundred of EDDISBURY, county palatine of CHESTER,
comprising the market-town of Tarporley, and the townships
of Eaton, Rushton, and Utkinton, and containing
2123 inhabitants, of which number, 800 are in the
town of Tarporley, 10 miles (E. S. E.) from Chester,
and 172 (N. W.) from London. This town, which is situated
on the great road from Chester to London, has a
neat appearance, and consists of one long street, which
is well paved, and terminated at the southern extremity
by the ancient manor-house. At the close of the
thirteenth century, a grant of a market and fair was
obtained by Hugh de Thorpley, then proprietor of the
manor. The market is on Thursday; and fairs are held
May 1st, the first Monday after August 24th, and
December llth. The town was governed by a mayor
from 1207 to 1348, but now only two constables are appointed.
The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry
and diocese of Chester, rated in the king's books at
£20. 3. 4., and in the joint patronage of the Dean and
Chapter of Chester, Lord Alvanley, and the Rev. Sir P. G.
Egerton, Bart. The church, dedicated to St. Helen, is an
ancient structure of red stone, and contains some good
monuments. There is a place of worship for Wesleyan
Methodists. A school, situated in the churchyard,
was endowed with £20 per annum by Lady Jane Done,
who left also a small bequest for apprenticing poor children,
but there are no free scholars. Almshouses have
been founded for four poor widows, each of whom receives
thirty shillings per annum.