a peninsula in Dorsetshire, of great strength both by nature and art, being surrounded with inaccessible rocks, except at the landing-place, where there is a strong castle, called Portland castle, built by king Henry VIII. There is but one church in the island; and that stands so near the sea, that it is often in danger from it. But this peninsula is chiefly noted for the free stone which is got here, and greatly employed in London for building the finest structures, and particularly St Paul's church was built therewith. W. Long. 2° 35'. N. Lat. 50° 30'.