CUMBRIA, so denominated from the Cumbri, or Britons, who inhabited it; one of the most northerly counties in England. It was formerly a kingdom, extending from the vallum of Adrian to the city of Dumbrition, now Dumbarton on the frith of Clyde in Scotland. At present it is a county of England, which gives the title of duke to one of the royal family, and sends two members to parliament. It is bounded on the north and north-west by Scotland; on the south and south-east by part of Lancashire and Westmoreland: it borders on the east with Northumberland and Durham; and on the west is washed by the Irish sea. The length from north to south may amount to 55 miles, but the breadth does not exceed 40. It is well watered with rivers, lakes, and fountains; but none of its streams are navigable. In some places there are very high mountains. The air is keen and piercing on these mountains, towards the north; and the climate is moist, as in all hilly countries. The soil varies with the face of the country; being barren on the moors and mountains, but fertile in the valleys and level ground bordering on the sea. In general, the eastern parts of the shire are barren and desolate: yet even the least fertile parts are rich in metals and minerals. The mountains of Copland abound with copper: veins of the same metal, with a mixture of gold and silver, were found in the reign of Queen Elizabeth among the fells of Derwent; and royal mines were formerly wrought at Kefwick. The county produces great quantities of coal: it abounds with lead mines, has a mine of black lead, and several mines of lapis calaminaris; and it is said there was formerly an considerable pearl-fishery on the coast near Ravenglas.

Richard, a learned English divine in the end of the 17th century, was son of a citizen of London, and educated at Cambridge. In 1672 he published a Treatise of the Laws of Nature; and in 1686, An Essay toward the Jewish Weights and Measures. After the Revolution he was nominated by King William to the bishopric of Peterborough. He wrote on history, chronology, and philosophy; and was as remarkable for humility of mind, benevolence of temper, and innocence of life, as for his extensive learning. He died in 1718.