a town of Hanover, capital of the county of Hoya, stands on the right bank of the Weser, which is here crossed by a stone bridge, 29 miles N.W. of Hanover, and about as far S.E. of Bremen. It was formerly fortified, but the defences were destroyed by the French in 1807. There are two churches, a high school, an hospital, several courts of law; linen, cloth, and vinegar manufactures, and some trade in corn and timber. The town has also some river shipping. Pop. (1852) 5052.