a parish of Middlesex, on the northeast side of London, containing no less than 12 hamlets. At the bottom of Hackney-Marsh, through which the river Lee runs, between Old Ford and the Wyck, there have been discovered the remains of a great stone causeway, which, by the Roman coins, &c., found there, was no doubt one of the famous highways made by the Romans. The church here is of a very ancient foundation, so old as Edward II. That part next London is called Mare-street; the middle Church-street; and the north part Clapton; Dorleston and Shacklewell are on the west, and Hummerton, which leads to the Marsh, on the east. Here are three meeting-houses and several boarding-schools, besides the free-school in the church-yard, a charity-school, and 17 almshouses. It was from this place that the coaches let to the people in London first received their name; for in the 17th century, many people having gone on visits to see their friends at Hackney, it occasioned them often to hire horses or carriages, so that in time it became a common name for such horses, coaches, and chairs, as were let to the people of London; and the name has now become general. Population 16,771.

Hackney-Coaches, those exposed to hire in the streets of London, and some other great cities, at rates fixed by authority. See Coach.—These first began to ply in the streets of London, or rather waited at inns, in the year 1625, and were only 25 in number; but in 1635 they were so much increased, that King Charles issued out an order of council for restraining them. In 1637, he allowed 50 hackney-coachmen, each of whom might keep 12 horses. In 1652, their number was limited to 200; and in 1654, it was extended to 300. In 1661, 400 were licensed, at 3l. annually for each. In 1664, 700 were allowed, and taxed by the 5 and 6 of W. and M. at 4l. per annum each. By 9 Anne cap. 23, 800 coaches were allowed in London and Westminster; but by 8 Geo. III. cap. 24, the number is increased to 1000, which are to be licensed by commissioners, and to pay a duty of 5s. per week to the king. On Sundays there were formerly only 175 hackney-coaches to ply, which were to be appointed by commissioners; but their number is now unlimited.

The fare of hackney-coachmen in London, or within ten miles of the city, is 12 shillings and sixpence per day, allowing 12 hours per day. By the hour it is 1s. 6d. for the first, and 1s. for every hour after; and none are obliged to pay above 1s. for any distance not exceeding a mile and a half; or above 1s. 6d. for any distance not exceeding two miles. Where hackney-coachmen refuse to go at, or exact more than their limited hire, they are subject to a forfeit not under