PARKGATE, a hamlet in the township of LEIGHTON, parish of NESTON, higher division of the hundred of WIRRALL, county palatine of CHESTER, 12 miles (N. W.) from Chester, and 192 (N. W.) from London. The importance of this place is derived from its being the resort of visitors during the bathing-season; it consists principally of one long and irregular range of houses built of brick, which front the aestuary of the Dee, over which is a commodious ferry to Flint: here is a custom-house for vessels loading from the contiguous collieries; formerly this place was a sea-port of considerable importance, and packets and other vessels were employed, especially in the trade with Ireland; but at present it is neglected as a packet station, vessels of burden being prevented from approaching the quay, owing to the formation of a large sand-bank, which greatly impedes the navigation of the channel.