BUCKINGHAM, the chief town of Buckinghamshire in England, stands in a low ground, on the river Ouse, by which it is almost surrounded, and over which there are three handsome stone-bridges. The town contained 3500 inhabitants in 1811, and sends two members to parliament. It seems, however, to have been but an inconsiderable place at the Conquest; for, according to Doomsday-book, it paid only for one hide, and had but 26 burgesses. Edward the elder fortified it in the year 918 against the incursions of the Danes, with a rampart and turrets. It also had formerly a castle in the middle of the town, of which no vestiges now remain. The shrine of St Rumbald, the patron of fishermen, preserved in the church, was held in great veneration. The county-gaol stands in this town, and here the assizes are sometimes kept. It was formerly a staple for wool, but that advantage it hath now lost. It is governed by a bailiff and 12 burgesses, who are the sole electors of the members. In its neigh-
bourhood are many paper-mills upon the Ouse. W. Long. 0. 58. N. Lat. 51. 30.