MAIDENHEAD, a town of Berks, 26 miles from London, with a stone bridge over the Thames.
It is governed by a high-steward, a mayor, a steward, and 10 aldermen, out of which last two bridge-masters are chosen every year. Here is a gaol both for debtors and felons. The town stands partly in the parish of Bray and partly in that of Cookham; and here is a chapel peculiar to the corporation, the minister whereof is chosen by the inhabitants, and not obliged to attend the bishop's visitation. Here are several alms-houses and charities. This town, now so considerable, did not begin to flourish till, by the building of its bridge, travellers were brought this way, who before used a ferry at that called Babham's End, two miles north of it. The barge pier-bridge is maintained by the corporation, for which they are allowed the tolls both over and under it. The bridge-pier divides Berks from Bucks. There is a great trade here in malt, meal, and timber, which they carry in their barges to London. As this is the great thoroughfare from thence to Bath, Bristol, and other south-west parts of England, the adjacent wood or thicket has been noted for many robberies. The market here is on Wednesdays; there are three fairs; and here are frequent horse-races.