WARWICK, the capital of Warwickshire in England, and from which this county derives its name. It is very ancient, and supposed by Camden to be the place called by the Romans Præsidium, where the Dalmatian horse were posted. It stands on a rock of free-stone, of which all the public edifices in the town are built. At the Norman invasion it was a
considerable place; and had many burghesses, of whom 12 were obliged by their tenure to accompany the king in his wars. The castle was anciently very strong, both by nature and art, and is now a most noble and delightful dwelling; the rock on which it stands being 40 feet above the river, but on the north side level with the town. In September 1694, the city suffered much by a fire, occasioned by a spark blown from a stick, as it was carrying cross a lane; but by an act of parliament for rebuilding it, and the liberal contributions of the nation, it hath risen again out of its ashes more magnificent than it was before. It is supplied with water brought in pipes from springs half a mile from the town, besides what it derives from the wells within it made in the rock; and it is easily kept clean, by being situated upon a declivity. Four streets, from the four cardinal points of the compass, meet in the centre of the town. The country all around is very beautiful; of which, from a terrace in the castle, now the seat of earl Brook and Warwick, there is a very noble prospect. The principal public buildings are St Mary's, a very stately edifice, an hospital, a town-house of free-stone, three charity schools, and a noble bridge over the Avon. It has had several charters; but is governed at present by a mayor, 12 brethren, 24 burghesses, &c. It is a very handsome populous town, and gives title of earl to the family of the Grevilles.