ALDBOROUGH, or ALDEBURGH, a sea-port and borough and parish (formerly a market-town), having separate jurisdiction, locally in the hundred of Plomesgate, county of SUFFOLK, 25 miles (N. E. by E.) from Ipswich, and 94 (N. E.) from London, containing 1212 inhabitants. This borough, which takes its name from its situation on the river Aide, was formerly of very considerable extent, and its importance procured for it many privileges. From the encroachment of the sea (which, within the last century, has destroyed its market-place, with an entire street and a great number of houses), it has been reduced to an inconsiderable town; but, from the salubrity of the air, and the convenience of the shore for sea-bathing, it has lately become a placo of fashionable resort during the summer. The town is situated in a pleasant vale, having the river Aide on the south-west, and commanding an extensive view of the North sea on the east, and is sheltered by a steep hill, the extended summit of which forms a magnificent terrace, affording a delightful promenade, and a beautifully diversified prospect. The strand, to which the descent from the town is gradual, consists of firm sand, favourable for bathing and walking. At the southern extremity of the main street, which is nearly a mile in length, there Is a battery, on which, during the late war, two eighteen-poundcrs were mounted, another of five guns, and a martello tower, for the protection of the coast. The old houses are in general mean and ill constructed, but those erected by families residing here during the season, or for the accommodation of visitors, are well built, and respectable; among them is an elegant marine villa, iu the Italian style, built by Leveson Vernon, Esq. There is a public subscription library, commanding a fine view of the bay; a neat and commodious theatre is open for a few weeks during the season; there are two billiard-tables; and assemblies are held occasionally at the principal inns. The trade of the port consists chiefly in the exportittion of corn, and the importation of coal and timber, in which forty- six vessels, averaging fifty-two tons' burden, are employed. The custom-house is a neat and convenient building near the quay; and the harbour, which is safe and commodious, attracts a number of seafaring people and fishermen, by whom the town is principally inhabited. Many of the.se are Trinityhouse pilots, who form themselves into small associations, and purchase swiftly-sailing cutters, in which they traverse the North sea, frequently approaching the coast of Norway in search of vessels that may want their assistance. The principal employment of the other inhabitants consists in the drying of herrings and sprats, which are found here in profusion, and exported to Holland; soles and lobsters of superior flavour are taken also in abundance. The market, formerly on Wednesday, has been discontinued; the fairs are held on March 1st and May 3rd. By the charter of incorporation, granted in the reign of Charles I., the government of the borough is vested in two bailiffs, and ten capital and twenty-four inferior burgesses: the freedom is inherited by birth, or obtained by gift. The bailiffs are justices of the peace, and hold a court of session annually in September; they are also empowered to hold a court of record for the recovery of debts under £ 30, but it has not been held for upwards of a century. The town hall is an ancient building of timber, under which is the common gaol for the borough. Aidborough first exercised the elective franchise in the 13th of Elizabeth, since which time it has returned two members to parliament. The right of election is vested in the bailiffs, and burgesses resident within the borough, and not receiving alms; the bailiffs are the returning officers. The living is a discharged vicarage, in the archdeaconry of Suffolk, and diocese of Norwich, rated in the king's books at £33. 6. 8., and in the patronage of Leveson Vernon, Esq. The church, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, an ancient structure of flint and freestone, on the summit of a hill at the northern extremity of the town, has a square embattled tower surmounted with a turret, affording an excellent land-mark for mariners. There are places of worship for Particular Baptists, Independents, and Wesleyan Methodists. A National school is supported by subscription.