FORDWICH, a parish, and a member of the town and port of SANDWICH, locally in the hundred of Downhamford, lathe of ST-AUGUSTINE, county of KENT, 2 miles (E. by N.) from Canterbury, containing 242 inhabitants. The living is a discharged rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Canterbury, rated in the king's books at £5. 15. 2. Earl Cowper was patron in 1802. The church is dedicated to St. Mary. Fordwich is situated upon the river Stour, which is navigable as far as the bridge that crosses it a little above the village, and upon which are extensive flour-mills. In Domesday-book it is recorded as the " small borough of Forewich," and later authorities state it to have been a borough by prescription, governed by a mayor, jurats, and commonalty, with a high steward, treasurer, and town clerk. The mayor, who by virtue of his office was also coroner, and the jurats, who were justices, had the privilege of holding a general session of the peace and gaol delivery, together with a court of record.