a town of Hanover, principality of Calenberg, on the river Weser, at its confluence with the Hamel, 25 miles S.W. of Hanover. It is surrounded by old walls scarcely defensible, and was formerly protected by Fort George on the opposite side of the river; but this fort was destroyed by the French in 1806. The Weser is here crossed by an iron suspension bridge 500 feet in length, supported by a pier erected on an island in the middle of the river. Hameln is interesting as containing many wooden houses of the old German style. Being the capital of a cognominal bailiwick, it is the seat of several courts and public offices; and from the river being here navigable, it carries on a considerable trade. The navigation was improved by the construction of a large sluice here in 1734, by George II. A salmon-fishery and various branches of manufacture are carried on. Pop. 6500.