DUNMOW (GREAT), a parish (formerly a market
town) in the hundred of DUNMOW, county of ESSEX,
12 miles (N. N.W.) from Chelmsford, and 37 (N.E.
by N.) from London, containing 2409 inhabitants. It
is supposed by Bishop Gibson to have been the site of
the Roman station Ccesaromagus, and this conjecture has
been adopted by some other antiquaries; Roman coins
have been discovered at several places near the town,
and the road, leading from it to Colchester, which was
probably Camalodunum, displays some indications of
Roman construction. At the time of the Norman survey
it was the principal place in the hundred to which it
gives name; and in 1253 it was made a market-town. It
is agreeably situated near th<f river Chalmer, and consists
of two principal streets, which are paved and
lighted: and the inhabitants are supplied with water
from springs. The town obtained a charter of incorporation
from Philip and Mary, which was coiifirmed by Elizabeth,
under which the government is vested in a recorder,
bailiff, and twelve burgesses; but at present they do
not possess magisterial authority, and the only function
they exercise, is the appointment of a constable, breadweighers
and leather-sealers, which takes place annually
on the Tuesday after Michaelmas-day. The petty sessions
for the division are held here; a court leet for the manor
is also held occasionally. Formerly the manufacture
of baize and blankets was carried on very extensively,
but at present there is only a small establishment for
making sacking and coarse cloth. The market, which
was on Saturday, has been discontinued; but there are
fairs on May 6th and November 8th, for cattle. The
living is a vicarage, in the archdeaconry of Middlesex,
and diocese of London, rated in the king's books at
£18. 13. 4., and in the patronage of the Bishop of London.
The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a spacious
edifice in the decorated and later styles of English architecture,
consisting of a nave, aisles, and chancel, with
a fine east window; it has lately received an addition of
two hundred and thirty sittings, of which two hundred
are free, the Incorporated Society for the enlargement of
churches and chapels having granted £50 towards defraying
:the expense. Here are places of worship for
Baptists, the Society of Friends, and Independents.
There is an almshouse for six poor persons; a charity
school for fifty boys, and another for twenty girls, are
supported by voluntary contributions.