BLANDFORD, (Dorset) 85 cm. and 107 mm. from London, an ancient and now large flourishing bor. with a bridge over the
Stour, in the couch road to Exeter. It gives name to one of the five dividions of the Co. 'Tis governed by 2 bailiffs,
chose yearly out of the ald. or capital burgesses. It has been twice burnt down by accident; first, in the R. of Q. Eliz.
but was soon rebuilt, and the last time was on June 4, 1731, when the fire was so quick, that few of the people saved any
of their goods; and the small-pox being rise here, at the same time, many of the sick were carried from the flames into
the fields, where they died. The T. is, however, since rebuilt more beautifully. Its chief mf. formerly was band-strings,
and afterwards straw-hats and bone-lace, but now malt and cloth. 'Tis frequented by many gentlemen, whose seats are on the
neighbouring downs, and gives title of Marq. to the D. of Marlborough. Its Mt. is S. Fairs Feb. 24 and June 29. It sent
members to Pt. in the Rs. of Edw.I. and Edw. III. but not since. The quarter sessions for the Co. is held here once a
year.