the capital of the county of Hampshire in England. It is a very ancient city, supposed to have been built several centuries before Christ. The Romans called it Fenta Belgaram, the Britons Caer Givent, and the Saxons Wittaneceter; whence came the present name. It stands upon the river Itchen, in a bottom surrounded with chalky hills; and is generally allowed to have been a considerable place in the time of the Romans. Some of the first converts to Christianity are supposed to have lived here. In the castle, near the well-gate, many of the Saxon kings anciently kept their court. The cathedral was founded by Kenegulfe, a king of the Mercians; but there were many Christians, and places for their worship here, long before that period. It is a large pile, and has a venerable look, but is not very elegant. Besides the tombs, there are many curious pieces of workmanship in it; the chief of which are, 1. The font, erected in the time of the Saxons. 2. Copper statues of James I. and Charles I. 3. The bishop's throne. 4. The stalls of the dean and prebendaries. 5. The ascent to the choir and altar. 6. The pavement, inlaid with marble of diverse colours, in various figures. 7. The altar-piece, reckoned the noblest in England. 8. The paintings in the windows, especially the great east window. At the hospital of the Holy Cross, every traveller that knocks at the door may claim a mace of white bread and a cup of beer; of which a great quantity is provided every day for that purpose. This hospital was intended for the maintenance of a master and 30 pensioners, but only 14 are now maintained in it; and the master enjoys a revenue of 800l. a-year. This city is about a mile and a half in compass, and almost surrounded with a wall of flint, has six gates, large suburbs, broad clean streets; but the private houses are in general but ordinary, many of them being very old. The city is interspersed with a great many gardens, which contribute to its beauty and healthiness. The corporation consists of a mayor, high-steward, recorder, aldermen, two coroners, two bailiffs, 24 common-council-men, a town-clerk, four constables, and four sergeants at mace; and the city gives title of marquis to the duke of Bolton. A Roman highway leads from hence to Alton; and went formerly, as it is thought, from thence to London. The charming downs in the neighbourhood contribute greatly to the health and pleasure of the inhabitants. The river Itchen is navigable for barges from hence to Southampton. W. Long, i. 21; N. Lat. 5° 5'.