LIEGE, a bishopric of Germany, in the circle of Westphalia; bounded to the north by Brabant, to the south by Champagne and Luxemburg, to the east by Limburg and Juliers, and to the west by Brabant, Namur, and Hainault. It is very unequal both in length and breadth; the former being in some places above 90 miles, in others not half so much; and the latter in some places 45, in others hardly 25. The air here is very temperate; and the soil fruitful in corn, wine, wood, and pasture. Here also are mines of lead and iron, pits of coal, quarries of marble and stone, and some celebrated mineral waters, as those of Spa and Chau-fontaine. The principal rivers are, the Maes and Sambre. The manufactures and commodities of the country, are chiefly beer, arms, nails, serge, leather, with the products we have just mentioned. The states of the bishopric are composed of three bodies: the first is the chapter of Liege; the second, the nobility of the country; and the third, the deputies of the capital and the other towns. The three estates are seldom called together, except to raise taxes for the service of the province, or upon some particular emergency; but there is a committee of the states, who meet thrice a-week, and in time of war daily. They are always about the prince-bishop, to make remonstrances, and demand the redress of grievances. The bishop is spiritual and temporal lord of
of the whole country; but, as bishop, is suffragan to the archbishop of Cologne. He styles himself by the grace of God, bishop and prince of Liege, duke of Bouillon, marquis of Franchimont, count of Loon, Horn, &c. His arms for Liege, are, a pillar argent, on a pedestal of the same, with a crown or, in a field ruby. In the matricula he was formerly rated at 50 horse, and 170 foot; or 1280 florins monthly, in lieu of them, but now only at 826. An abatement of one third has also been granted of the ancient assessment to the chamber-court, which was 360 six-dollars 62½ krutzers for each term. Here are several colleges which sit at Liege, for the government of the country, and the decision of causes, civil, criminal, spiritual and feudal, and of such also as relate to the finances. The chapter consists of 60 persons, who must either prove their nobility for four generations, both by father and mother, before they can be admitted; or if they cannot do that, must at least have been doctors or licentiates of divinity for seven years, or, of law, for five years, in some famous university. The bishopric is very populous and extensive, containing 1500 parishes, in which are 24 walled towns, besides others, 52 baronies, besides counties and seignories, 17 abbeys for men, who must be all gentlemen, and 11 for ladies, exclusive of others.