a market-town in Berkshire, seated on a branch of the Thames, received its name from an abbey anciently built there. The streets, which are well paved, centre in a spacious area, in which the market is held; and in the centre of this area is the market-house, which is supported on lofty pillars, with a large hall of free-stone above, in which the summer assizes for the county are held, and other public business done, the Lent assizes being held at Reading. It has two churches; one dedicated to St Nicholas, and the other to St Helena; the latter is adorned with a spire, and both are said to have been erected by the abots of Abingdon. Here are also two hospitals, one for six, and the other for thirteen poor men, and as many poor women; a free school; and a charity-school. The town was incorporated by queen Mary; and is governed by a mayor, two bailiffs, and nine aldermen: it sends two members to parliament, who are chosen by the inhabitants at large not receiving alms. Its great manufacture is malt, large quantities of which are sent by water to London. The market-days are on Monday and Friday; and it hath four fairs for horses and other cattle, on the first Monday in Lent, on June 20, on September 19, and on December 11. It is six miles and a half south of Oxford, forty-seven east of Gloucester, and fifty-five west of London. Long. i. 20. Lat. 51.