SHIRLAND, a parish in the hundred of SCARSDALE, county of DERBY, 2 miles (N. by W.) from Alfreton, containing, with the hamlet of Higham, 1205 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of Derby, and diocese of Lichfield and Coventry, rated in the king's books at £7. 15. 5., and in the alternate patronage of the Earl of Thanet, and W.E. Nightingale, and John Charge, Esqrs. The church, dedicated to St. Leonard, contains several ancient monuments of the De Greys. Higham was formerly a market-town, but the market was discontinued about 1785; a fair, chiefly for cattle, is still held on the Wednesday after New Year's day. At Hatfield-gate is a charity school, endowed by Edward Revell, Mr. Stocks, and others, with about £25 per annum, and a house for the master, who educates twenty-four children; the premises have been recently rebuilt by subscription.

HIGHAM, a hamlet in the parish of SHIRLAND, hundred of SCARSDALE, county of DERBY, 16 miles (N. by E.) from Derby, containing 591 inhabitants. Higham is a place of great antiquity: it is situated upon the Roman Iknield-street, and had formerly a market; fairs for cattle are held on the first Wednesday after New year's day, and on February 27th. Many of the inhabitants are employed in weaving stockings and in the adjoining bleaching-grounds.