a town of the county of Kent in England, situated on a branch of the river Thames, which is navigable for hoy. It was a royal demesne A.D. 811, and called in Kenulf's charter the King's little Town, though it is now a large one. It was inhabited by the Britons long before the invasion of Caesar. In 903, King Athelstan held a great council here. King Stephen erected a stately abbey, 1147, whose abbot sat in parliament; and he was buried in it, together with Maud his queen, and Eustace his son; but of this building two mean gate-houses are all that now remain. The town was first incorporated by the name of the barons of Feverham, afterwards by Henry VIII. with the title of the mayor and commonalty, and lastly, by that of the mayor and jurats and commonalty. It is a populous flourishing place, consisting chiefly of two long broad streets, with a market-house in the centre, built 1574. Its ancient church was rebuilt in 1754, at the expense of £2000.

but was originally built in Edward II's reign. There is a free grammar school in the place, built and endowed by Queen Elizabeth in 1582; also two charity schools. It is a member of the cinque-port of Dover, and has a manufactory of gunpowder. The London markets are supplied from hence with abundance of apples and cherries, and the best oysters for stewing. These last were at one time carried away in such quantities by the Dutch, that many men and boats were employed in the winter to dredge for them; and it is said they carried home as many as amounted to above 2000l. a-year. The fishermen admit none to take up their freedom but married men.