FORDWICH, (Kent) on the N. E. side of Canterbury, called in Doomsday-Book the little Borough of Fordwich, is a member of
the port of Sandwich, and was anciently incorporated by the stile of the Barons of the T. of Fordwich, but more lately by
the name of the mayor, jurats and commonalty, who enjoy the same privileges as the cinque-ports. The mayor used heretofore
to be chose on the M. after St. Andrew's-day. The manor was given, by Edw. the Conf. to the monks of St. Austin's
Canterbury; but being vested in the crown by the Diss. of the mons. it therein remained, till Edward VI. granted it to Sir
Tho. Cheyney, who sold it to John Johnson, and he to one Paramour, who conveyed it to the Lady Eliz. Finch, whose son,
Thomas Earl of Winchelsea, sold it to his cousin, John Finch, afterwards Ld. C. J. of the Common-Pleas, the same who was
created Ld. Finch of Fordwich, but died without issue; however, it has now greater honour, by giving title of Visc, to
Earl Cowper. This place is famous for excellent trouts in its r. Stour.