*DROITWICH, (Worcestershire) 82 cm. 95 mm. from London, and 5 m. from the Severn, stands on the navigable r. Salwarp, and
is noted for its springs of salt. 'Tis a corporate bailiwick, with about 400 houses, and 4 Chs. It has been much inriched
by its salt-works, which was made here even before the Conq. and the taxes annually paid for it from hence to the crown
amount to about 50,000 l. at the rate of 3 s. 6 d. a bufsel. 'Tis made only from the summer to the winter solstice, for
fear of overstocking the Mt. The proprietors of its salt-pits are a corp. and none else can be a burgess here, to have a
vote in the election of the 2 members which it sends to Pt. In 1290, St. Andrew's Ch. and the greatest part of the T. was
burnt. It had great privileges from K. John, some of which it still retains, and was much favoured by Henry III. and other
Princes. In the Rs. of Edw. I. and II. this Bor. returned members to Pt. 8 times, but discontinued it afterwards, till the
1st of Q. Mary, when it had farther privileges, besides the renewal of the former; and Ja. I. granted it a new charter.
'Tis governed by a bailiff and burgesses. The bailiff is a justice of the quorum, and a justice of the peace next year.
Its recorder is also a justice. The Mt. is on F. Fairs on Good-F. St. Simon and Jude, and St. Thomas's-days. Here was
formerly a chantry.