a town of England, capital of a county of the same name, situated in W. Long. 0° 55'. N. Lat. 52° 15'. According to Camden, it was formerly called North-Afaddon, from its situation to the north of the river Nen, called anciently Auffona, by which and another lesser river it is almost enclosed. Dr Gibbon says, that the ancient Saxon annals called both it and Southampton simply Hamton; and afterwards, to distinguish them, called the one, from its situation, Southampton, and the other Northampton; but never North-Afaddon. Though it does not appear to be a place of very great antiquity, yet here was a castle, and a church dedicated to St Andrew, built by Simon de Sancto Licio, commonly called Senlez, the first earl of Northampton of that name. It is said to have been burnt down during the Danish depredations; but in the reign of St Edward it appears to have been a considerable place. It was besieged by the barons in their war with king John; at which time that military work called Hunhill, is supposed to have been raised. In the time of Henry III. it sided with the barons, when it was besieged and taken by the king. Here the bloody battle was fought in which Henry VI. was taken prisoner; and several parliaments have been held in this town. It was entirely confirmed by a most dreadful fire in 1675; yet, by the help of liberal contributions from all parts of the kingdom, it hath so recovered itself, that it is now one of the neatest and best-built towns of the kingdom. Among the public buildings, which are all lofty, the most remarkable are the church called All-hallows, the sessions and assize house, and the George inn, which belongs to the poor of the town. There was formerly a nunnery in the neighbouring meadows. A county-hospital or infirmary has been lately built here, after the manner of those of Bath, London, Bristol, &c. It has a considerable manufacture of shoes and stockings; and its fairs are noted for horses both for draught and saddle; besides, it is a great thoroughfare for the north and west roads. It gives title of earl to the family of Compton.