MAIDENHEAD, (Berkshire) 22 cm. near 28 mm. from London, has a wooden bridge over the Thames. It was incorporated, in the R. of Edw. III. by the name of the gild or fraternity of the brothers and sisters of Maidenhithe, and after the Restoration by that of warden and burgesses; but James II. incorporated it by the name of mayor and ald. with liberty to chuse a high-steward, and a steward; so that their present magistracy consists of a high-steward, a mayor, a steward, and 10 ald. out of which latter two bridge-masters are chosen every year. The mayor, and his predecessor, and the stewards are justices. The mayor is also clerk of the Mt. and coroner, and is judge of the court, which he must hold once in three weeks. He likewise holds two sessions in a year. Here is a gaol both for debtors and felons. The T. stands partly in the p. of Bray, and partly in that of Cookham; and here is a chapel peculiar to the corp. founded by Mr. John Husbands, the minister whereof is chosen by the inh. and not obliged to attend the Bp's visitation. Here is an almsh. that was erected in 1589, and endowed with 40 l. a year, by James Smith of Hammersmith, citizen and Salter of London, and great grandfather to Sir John Smith, Bt. It consists of 8 tenements for 8 poor men, and their wives; and the trustees are the Salters company in London. Here are several other almshs. and charities. This T. now so considerable, did not begin to flourish, till by the building of its bridge travellers were brought this way, who before used a ferry at that called Babham's-End, 2 m. N. of it. The bridge is maintained by the corp. for which they are allowed the tolls, both over and under it; and the crown gives 3 trees a year out of Windsor-Forest towards repairing it. The barge pier divides Berks from Bucks. There is a great trade here in malt, meal, and timber, which they carry in their barges to London. As this is the great thoroughfare from thence to Bath, Bristol, and other S.W. parts of England, the adjacent wood or thicket has been noted for many robberies. The Mt. here is W. Fairs on W. in Whitsun-Week, July 22, and Dec. 21; and here are frequent horse-races.