a market-town of England, Hertfordshire, on the right bank of the Colne, here crossed by a bridge, 15 miles N.W. of London. It is almost surrounded by the river, and consists of one main street, upwards of a mile in length, lined with well built houses, mostly of brick. The church, an ancient building, has a fine embattled tower surmounted by a spire, and contains some ancient monuments. There is another Established church in the parish, and places of worship for Wesleyans, Independents, and Baptists. The town has an old free school, national, British, and infant schools, a literary institution, almshouses, and a poorhouse. The market-house is an antique edifice, supported on wooden pillars, and a new post-office has been erected here. Many of the inhabitants are employed in brewing, malting, and tanning, and in straw-plaiting. There are also here silk, paper, and flour mills. A considerable trade in corn and cattle is carried on at the weekly markets and annual fairs. Pop. (1851) of the town, 3800; of the parish, 5989.