*MORPETH, (Northumberland) 14 m. from Newcastle, 224 cm. 291 mm. from London, is an ancient Bor. by prescription, with a bridge over the Wentsbeck. It had once an abbey and a castle now in ruins, which, together with the T. came from Roger de Merley, whose barony it was, to the Lds. of Greystock; one of whom, William, in the R. of K. John, for a fine of 20 marks and 2 good palfreys, obtained a Mt. and Fair; and endowed a hos. here for infirm people. It went from them to the barons Dacre of Gillesland; but afterwards descended by marriage to Ld. Will. Howard, third son to the D. of Norfolk, whose grandson was by Cha. II. created E. of Carlisle and Visc. Morpeth; which titles are now enjoyed by his great grandson, Henry. In 1215 the townsmen themselves burnt their T. in meer spite to K. John. Here is a good Mt. on S. for corn, cattle, and all necessary provisions; and another on W. the biggest in England, except Smithfield, for live cattle. This is a post-T. and a thoroughfare, with many good inns, and plenty of fish; and here are several mills bel. to the E. of Carlisle, whose father built a noble T.-house here. The E's. steward holds a court here twice a year; one of them the M. after Michaelmas, when 4 persons are chosen by the free burgesses, who are about 107, and presented to the steward, who names 2 of them to be bailiffs; who, with 7 ald. are its governors for the year ensuing. Its Fairs are on Holy-Th. and July 21.