in Latin Wigornia, the capital of a county of England of the same name, stands on the river Severn, but so low that it can hardly be seen till one is close upon it. It is supposed to be the Branonium of Antoninus, the Branogenium of Ptolemy, and to have been built by the Romans to awe the Britons on the other side of the Severn. It was made an episcopal see about the year 680 by Sexulphus bishop of the Mercians; but the present cathedral was begun by Wulfstan in the year 1084. The town hath been several times burnt down: first, in 1041, by Hardicanute, who also massacred the citizens; secondly, not long after William Rufus's time; and a third time, when king Stephen besieged and took it. Here, in latter times, was fought that battle, in which Charles II. with his Scots army, was defeated by Cromwell. In a garden, near the south gate of the city, where the action was hottest, the bones of the slain are often dug up. It had formerly strong walls and a castle; but these have been demolished long ago. It is now a large city, the streets broad and well paved, and some of them very regular and well built, particularly Foregate-street; so that in general it is a very agreeable place. The cathedral is a stately edifice, and among other monuments in it are those of king John, of Arthur, elder brother to Henry VIII., and of the counts of Salisbury, who gave occasion to the institution of the order of the Garter. There are seven or eight hospitals in and about the city; of which that built and endowed by Robert Berkeley of Spetchley, Esq.; is a very noble one. There is a school founded by Henry VIII., three other schools, and six charity-schools. The Guildhall and the workhouse are stately structures. The churches, St Nicholas and All-Saints, have been lately rebuilt, and are very handsome edifices. The city carries on a great trade; for which it is chiefly indebted to its situation upon the Severn. A prodigious number of people are employed in and about it in the manufacture of broad-cloth and gloves. The Welch inhabit a part of it, and speak their own language. Its market is well supplied with provisions, corn, and cattle, and its quay is much frequented by ships. By a charter from James I. it is governed by a mayor, six aldermen, who are justices of the peace, and chosen out of 24 capital citizens; a sheriff, the city being a county of itself; a common council, consisting of 48 other citizens, out of which two chamberlains are yearly chosen, a recorder, town-clerk, two coroners, a sword-bearer, 13 constables, and four sergeants at mace. Of the bishops of this see, there have been, it is said, one pope, four saints, seven lord high-chancellors, 11 archbishops, two lord treasurers, one chancellor to the queen, one lord president of Wales, and one vice-president. The city at present gives title of earl and marquis to the duke of Beaufort. W. Long. 1. 55. N. Lat 52° 10'.

Worcester (earl of). See Tiptoft.