STROUD, a town in the hundred of Bisley and county of Gloucester, 102 miles from London. It stands on a hill near the Stroud water, which empties itself into the Severn. The Stroud is brought into communication with the Thames by means of a canal. It is a considerable clothing town, especially esteemed for the excellence of its dark-blue cloths. It was created a borough by the act of 1832, and returns two members to the House of Commons. It has a well-frequented market on Friday. The inhabitants amounted in 1801 to 5422, in 1811 to 5321, in 1821 to 7097, and in 1831 to 8607.