ALDFORD, a parish comprising the townships of Aldford and Churton, in the higher division, and the chapelry of Churton Heath, or Bruera, and the townships of Great Boughton, Buerton, and Edgerley, in the lower division, of the hundred of BROXTON, county palatine of CHESTER, and containing 1684 inhabitants, of which number, 491 are in the township of Aldford, 5£ miles (S. by E.) from Chester. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Chester, rated in the king's books at £16. 17. 8., and in the patronage of Earl Grosvenor. The church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. This place derives its name from an old ford on the river Dee, which bounds it on the west, and is crossed by a good bridge: it had anciently a market and a fair. A castle was erected in the reign of Henry II., the earthworks of which only remain, nearly adjoining the church: during the siege of Chester, a garrison was placed here by Sir W. Brereton. Courts leet and baron are held for the manor, and are attended by the freeholders of Thornton and Alton, who have distinct juries. Here is a free grammar school, with an endowment of £200 per annum; and a school for boys and girls is supported by contributions among the inhabitants, the school-house having been erected at the expense of Earl Grosvenor. There are also six almshouses for widows, endowed with £22 per annum. Vestiges of a Roman road, connecting the northern and southern Watling-streets, are still visible.