OLNEY, a market-town and parish, in the hundred of NEWPORT, county of BUCKINGHAM, 19 miles (N.E.) from Buckingham, and 57 (N. W. by N.) from London, containing 2339 inhabitants. The town is situated on the northern bank of the Ouse, and consists of one long street, paved, but not lighted; most of the houses were thatched previously to the occurrence of a destructive fire in 17S6, and those erected since are covered with tiles; they are in general built of stone, and some ot them are of very respectable appearance: the. inhabitants enjoy an abundant supply of water. Over the Ouse is a bridge, with four large arches, and a considerable number of smaller ones, the latter extending across the adjoining low meadow lands, which are frequently overflowed during heavy rains. For keeping in repair tais causeway and the foot-paths around the town there is an especial fund, arising from a public benefaction. The principal branch of manufacture was that of bonelace, which has declined, in consequence of the general use of machinery; and a few persons are now employed in making worsted hose, and in silk-weaving, both of recent introduction. The market is held on Thursday; and there are fairs on Easter-Monday, June 29th, and October 21st. Courts leet and baron for the manor are held annually. The living is a vicarage, in the archdeaconry of Buckingham, and diocese of Lincoln, rated in the king's books at £13. 6. 8., endowed with £200 private benefaction, and & 500 parliamentary grant, and in the patronage of the Earl of Dartmouth. The church, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, is a large ancient edifice, in the English style, with a handsome tower and a spire, which was partially rebuilt in 1807. In the churchyard was formerly a chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with a chantry, founded by Lord Basset. There are places of worship for Baptists, the Society of Friends, Independents, and Wesleyan Methodists. National and Lancasterian schools are supported by subscription. Almshouses for twelve single women have been erected and endowed by the Misses Smith. Moses Browne, author of " Piscatory Eclogues," and other works, was vicar of Olney; and John Newton, afterwards minister of the parish of St. Marjr Woolnoth, Lombard-street, London, and a popular preacher and writer, was once curate; at which time Cowper, the poet, resided here, his house and garden, with his favourite seat, being still shewn.