a town of the hundred of Axtone, in the county of Kent, fifteen miles from London. Near to it are several mills for making gunpowder. It is a great thoroughfare for travellers to the Continent. There is a good market, which is held on Saturdays. The inhabitants amounted in 1801 to 2406, in 1811 to 3177; in 1821 to 3593, and in 1831 to 4715.