FARNHAM, or FERNHAM; a town of Surrey, and
capital of the hamlet of its own name, 41 miles from
London on the Winchester road. It is a large popu-
lous place, situated on the river Wey, and supposed to
have its name from the fern which abounded here. It
was given by the West Saxon king Ethelbald to the
see of Winchester; the bishops of which have generally
resided in the castle here, in the summer time, ever
since the reign of King Stephen, whose brother, its
then bishop, first built it. It was a magnificent struc-
ture, with deep moats, strong walls and towers at pro-
per distances, and a fine park; but it is much decayed.
The town, which contains 437 houses, and 2508 inhabi-
tants, is governed by 12 masters or burgesses, of
whom two are bailiffs, (chosen annually). They have
the profit of the fairs and markets, and the assize of
bread and beer; and hold a court every three weeks,
which has power of trying and determining all actions
under 40s. From Michaelmas to Christmas here is a
good market for oats; and one of the greatest wheat
markets in England, especially between All-Saints day
and mid-summer. The toll-dish here was once reckon-
ed worth 200l. a year; but it is much diminished,
since the people about Chichester and Southampton
began to send their meal to London by sea. But this
loss is amply made up by the vast growth of hops, of
which there are 300 or 400 acres of plantations about
this town, and they are said to excel the Kentish hop-
yards both in quantity and quality. This town sent
members to parliament in the reign of Edward II.
but never since. The magistrates have their privi-
leges from the bishop of Winchester, to whom they
pay an acknowledgement of 12d. a-year. The market
is on Thursday: and there are three fairs annually,
and a great market for Welsh horse.