NAMPTWICH, (Cheshire) on the Weever r. 14 m. S.E. from Chester, 126 cm. 164 mm. from London, lies in the Vale-Royal; and though burnt down in July 1438 and Dec. 1583, is one of the greatest and best built Ts. in the Co. the streets being very regular, and adorned with many gentlemen's houses. The inh. drive a considerable trade, and grow rich; net only by its large Mt. on S. for corn and cattle, its Bartholomew Fair, and its great thoroughfare to Ireland, but by its cheese and its fine white salt, which are made here to the greatest perfection. This T. which was secured for the Pt. on the breaking out of the civil wars, was besieged by general Monk and Ld. Biron, but rescued by Fairfax. It was given by the first E. of Chester to Will. Malbane, one of his barons, and continued as a barony in that family, with the name of Wicke Malbane, till by female heirs it passed, first to Mr. Foulshurst of Crew, then to the Vernons and Bassets, then to the Wilbrahams, Staffords and Littleburies, then to Sir Chris. Hatton; and now is, or lately was settled in the Cholmondeley's family, to the E. of which name it gives title of baron. Here is a ch. sc. for 40 boys, and another for 30 girls.