a town of Worcestershire in England, seated on the bank of the river Severn, in W. Long. 2. 20. N. Lat. 52° 25'. It has its name Bewdley, Beawley, or Beaulieu, from its pleasant situation on the declivity of a hill overlooking the river, and commanding a fine prospect of the country, and formerly of the forest of Wyre, remarkable for its tall flately oaks and other trees, which have since been either blown or cut down. It was formerly accounted so delightful a place, that Henry VII. built a house here for prince Arthur, which he called Ticken-hall. Bewdley sent burgesses to parliament very early, and had charters and great privileges from Edward IV. and Henry VIII. which were confirmed, with the addition of others, by Henry VIII. in whose time it was annexed to the county of Worcester. King James I. granted it a charter; of which a surrender was procured in Charles II.'s time, and the corporation was new-modelled. King James II. compelled it to accept of a new charter; but the former surrender, upon a trial, was held void, and a new charter was obtained of Queen Anne. In consequence of this it is governed by a bailiff and burgesses, recorder, steward, town-clerk, &c. The town is neat and well built; and carries on a considerable trade, by means of the Severn, in salt, glass, iron-ware, and Manchester goods; but its chief manufacture is in caps, commonly called Monmouth caps. It has a good market for corn, malt, leather, and hops.