RUDGELEY, a market-town in the county of Stafford, of the hundred of Cuttlestone, 131 miles from London, and seven from Lichfield. It is a well-built place, and contains many manufacturers of hats and of other articles; and being, by means of canals, favoured with water communication with the whole of the interior of the kingdom, has considerable trade. There is a good market, which is held on Tuesday. The population amounted in 1801 to 2030, in 1811 to 2213, in 1821 to 2677, and in 1831 to 3165.