*LEOMINSTER, (Herefordshire) 103 cm. 136 mm. from London, is a large, handsome, populous Bor. with several bridges over the
Lug, and is a great thoroughfare betwixt South-Wales and London. In K. John's R. it was burnt by a rebel Ld. of Brecknock,
but soon rebuilt. It was incorporated by Q. Mary, and is governed by a high-steward, bailiff, recorder, 12 capital
burgesses (out of whom the bailiff is chosen) and a T.-clerk. Its Mt. is on Fr. and its Fairs, which are all noted for
horses and black cattle, on Feb. 2, Tu. after Midlent-Sunday, May 2, June 19, Aug. 24, and Oct. 28. The Mt. was on Th.
till it was changed, on a petition from the cities of Hereford and Worcester complaining of their loss of trade; since
which, the vast trade it had in wool and wheat is much lessened. The wool brought hither from the neighbourhood has been
reckoned the best in all Europe, except that of Apulia and Tarentum, and was deservedly called Lemster ore, because it
enriched the T. very much before the petition just mentioned. The best flax is said to grow here, and it has been equally
noted for the best wheat, barley, and the finest bread. The inh. drive a considerable trade not only in the wool, but in
gloves, leather, hat-making, &c. and there are several rs. in and about the T. on which they have mills end other
machines. It gives title of baron to the E. of Pontefract. Near its Ch. are some remains of its priory; and on a
neighbouring hill are the ruins of a palace, called to this day Comfor-Castle. K. Hen. I. made the mon. here a cell, to
his abbey of Reading. The mayor walks with a long black rod, tipped with silver. There is an almsh. here founded by the
widow of one, who gave away the best part of his effects in his life-time. In a nich over the entrance is the figure of a
man, holding up a hatchet, with these words; of which the reader will understand the meaning, though the grammar is Irish.
" Let him that gives his goods " before he is dead, " Take this hatchet, and cut off " his head."