WATERFORD, a county of Ireland in the province of Munster, bounded on the west by the county of Cork; on the south by the ocean; on the north by the river Sore, which parts it from the county of Tipperary and Kilkenny; and on the east by its own haven, which parts it from the county of Wexford. Its greatest length, according to some, is 46 miles, but according to others only 38; and its breadth 24. It contains 259,000 acres, and six baronies. The members it sends to parliament are two knights for the shire, and two burgesses a-piece for Waterford city, Lismore, Dungarvan, and Tallagh.
Waterford, capital of the county of the same name, standing upon the river Sore, was first built by certain pirates of Norway, and hath been a bishop's-fee ever since the year 1096, when these pirates, who had embraced Christianity, sent Malchus, a benedictine monk of Winchester, to be consecrated their bishop by Anselm, archbishop of Canterbury. Till it was eclipsed by Cork, it was accounted the second city in the kingdom for trade, wealth, and populousness, being situated on a fine harbour, defended by Duncannon fort on the east side. The soil, however, about it is barren, and the air thick. Many considerable privileges have been conferred upon it by the kings of England, as a reward for its constant fidelity, since it was first reduced by Richard earl of Pembroke. During the Irish rebellion it was in the hands of the rebels, who often made excursions from it, and committed great outrages; but Oliver Cromwell reduced it in 1650. The Popish party got possession of it also in 1689, and held it till after the battle of Boyne. Here is a fine cathedral; but the houses are generally of timber, and make but a mean appearance. The city drives a great trade, particularly with England, and ships of burden come up close to its fine key. Waterford haven extends near eight miles and a half from south to north, almost in a straight line, all the way deep and clear, and but little incumbered with rocks or sand. The city and its liberties make a distinct county. There is a citadel on the west side, and on the east a block-house and store-house. Waterford, jointly with Wexford, or Wexford, gives the title of earl to the earl of Shrewsbury in England, and is the county town.