a town of Kent, in England, 36 miles from London, seated on the river Medway, a branch of which runs through it. It is a corporation, sends two members to parliament, and in 1811 contained 4443 inhabitants. Its chief trade, besides linen-thread, which is made in great perfection, is in hops; of which there are many plantations about the town, as well as orchards of cherries. The tide flows quite up to the town, and brings up barges, &c. of 50 or 60 tons. It has a fine stone bridge. One of the public gaols for the county is kept in this town; and the custody of weights and measures, renewed by the standard of King Henry VII., was committed to it by parliament, as being in the centre of Kent; for which reason the knights of the shire are always elected, and the courts of justice always held here, and generally the assizes. The archbishop of Canterbury is constant parson of this parish, which is his peculiar, and served by his curate. Here are four charity-schools, in which are above 100 boys and girls, who are visited once a-week and catechised by the minister. This is such a plentiful country, and the lands hereabouts are so rich, that London is supplied with more commodities from hence than from any market town in England; particularly with the large bullocks that come from the Weald of Kent, which begins but six miles off; with timber, wheat, and great quantities of hops, apples, and cherries; with a sort of paving stone, eight or ten inches square, that is exceeding durable; and with the fine white sand for glass-houses and stationers. There are so many gentlemen's seats within 10 miles, that it is rare to find a town of so much trade and business, so full of gentry and good company.