It is part of the local government ward of Tattenhall,[1] a larger settlement approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) to the east.

[2] The census statistics have been combined with the neighbouring civil parishes of Chowley and Golborne David, and the figure was given as 227.

[5] Handley was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Hanlei,[6] under the ownership of Osbern, son of Tezzo.

The entry lists only four households (two villagers, one smallholder and one slave/servant), making it amongst the smallest 20% of settlements recorded in the survey.

[8] Nearby Calveley Hall dates from 1684 and is also a Grade II* listed building.