SITTINGBOURNE, a parish (formerly a corporate and market-town) in the hundred of MILTON, lathe of SCRAY, county of KENT, 10 miles (E. N. E.) from Maid- stone, containing 1537 inhabitants. The only incident worthy of notice in the ancient history of this town is the fact that Henry V. was entertained at the Red Lion here, by one John Northwood, a gentleman then resident in the vicinity, at the small expense of nine shillings and ninepence; and several other English monarchs have occasionally conferred a like distinction on the place. The town is situated on the main road from Canterbury to London, and consists of one long wide street. By means of Milton creek, which bounds the parish on the north, and is navigable at Crown quay, hoys sail hence to London. In the neighbourhood is a manufactory for bruising seed. A weekly market and two annual fairs were granted by charter of Elizabeth; the former was soon discontinued; the latter are held on Whit- Monday and October 10th, for linen and woollen goods, hardware, &c.; and a great monthly market is held on Tuesdays. By the same charter the inhabitants were incorporated, under the style of " Guardian and Free Tenants," which was subsequently changed by another charter into that of "Mayor and Jurats " they likewise had the privilege of sending two members to parliament, but all these were merely nominal, as it seems they were never exercised.' The living is a vicarage, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Canterbury, rated in the king's books at £10, and in the patronage of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The church, dedicated to St. Michael, was, with the exception of the walls, destroyed by fire in 1762; the present edifice exhibits specimens in the decorated and later styles of English architecture, and contains a fine enriched octagonal font, and some curious and ancient monuments; it has received an addition of two hundred and sixty-eight sittings, of which one hundred and seventy-five are free, the Incorporated Society for the building and enlargement of churches and chapels having contributed £45 towards defraying the expense. There is a place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists. A National school is supported by. voluntary contributions. In the vicinity are some remains of ancient fortifications.