HARWICH, a town of Essex, in England, situated in E. Lon. 1. 25. N. Lat. 52. 3. It is not large, but is neat and well-built, and is walled and paved with a sort of petrified clay that falls from the cliffs
in the neighbourhood. The harbour or bay is very large, safe, and deep; and is commanded by a strong fort on the Suffolk side, though not in that county. Here is a dock belonging to the government, with all conveniences for building, cleaning, and refitting men of war. A little way from the town, on a high hill called Beacon-hill, is a very fine light-house, which is seen at a very great distance, and is very useful on this dangerous coast. At this place the packet-boats that pass between England, Holland, and Germany, are stationed, and the town is much benefited by the passengers. The government, by a charter from king James I. is vested in a mayor, eight aldermen, 24 capital burgesses, the electors, and recorder. The town has also an admiralty jurisdiction within its liberties, and the return of all writs, fines, &c.