WOODCHURCH, a parish in the lower division of
the hundred of WIRRALL, county palatine of CHESTER,
comprising the townships of Arrow, Barnston, Irby,
Landican, Noctorum, Oxton, Pensby, Prenton, Thingwell,
and Woodchurch, and containing 835 inhabitants,
of which number, 74 are in the township of Woodchurch,
6 miles (N. by W.) from Great Neston. The living is
a rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Chester,
rated in the king's books at £25. 9. 2., and in the patronage
of Mrs. King. The church, dedicated to the
Holy Cross, is principally in the Norman style, with
a curious ancient font. William Gleave, Esq., alderman
of London, in 1665, founded a free school here,
and endowed it with lands now producing £80 per
annum.