Longford is a village and civil parish in Derbyshire Dales district, Derbyshire, England. The population of the civil parish as of the 2011 census was 349. It is 6 miles (10 km) from Ashbourne and 11 miles (18 km) west of Derby. The district of South Derbyshire borders the south and east of the parish.

History

In 1872 the parish of Longford was described as having just over 1150 people and 220 dwellings. This parish took in the settlements of Alkmonton, Rodsley, Hollington and the "liberty" of Hungry Bentley. The first three were owned by the Coke family whilst the "liberty" of Hungry Bentley was in the possession of Lord Vernon.

Amenities

The village is centred on Main Street (which becomes Longford Lane shortly thereafter) and has relatively few amenities. These consist mainly of Longford C of E Primary School (on Main Street) and The Ostrich Inn (on Long Lane), which is around 1⁄2 mile (800 m) from the nominal village centre.

There was a small campsite and playing field adjacent to, and under the control of, The Ostrich Inn. In early 2012, The Ostrich was taken over by new management. The pub closed for the last time in March 2020 and is now a private house.

Notable residents

• George Coke was born here in 1646. He was the Bishop of Bristol and of Hereford.
• Rev. Thomas Anson, first-class cricketer, was rector from 1850 to 1899.

See also

• Listed buildings in Longford, Derbyshire