SHEPPEY-ISLAND, (Kent) is encompassed by the East and West-Swale, 2 branches of the Medway, that here fall into the
Thames, and had its name from the sheep formerly kept on it, which were remarkable both for their number and the fineness
of their fleece. The Danes, landed here twice and plundered it, and once wintered their ships in it, Also in the R. of
Edw. the Confessor E. Godwin, &c. landed on this island, and harrassed it much. It is 21 m. in com. and yields plenty of
corn; but is forced to buy wood at a dear rate from the continent. There are several hillocks in the marshy parts all over
the island, which the vulgar call Cotterels, supposed to have been cast up in memory of some of the Danish leaders buried
there. The passage hither from the main land is by King's-Ferry already mentioned. Most of the springs here are brackish;
but lately a well was sunk so deep, as to lie below the bed of the sea; and to furnish the garrison at Sheerness with
fresh water. A great number of marine plants grow in the salt marshes, and therefore they are often visited in the summer
by the botanists. The manor of Sheppey anciently bel. to a nunnery here. The island has one constable, who has the command
of all its ps. It gave title of Countess to Lady Dacres in the R. of Cha. II. and that of Visc. to Hen. Sidney, afterwards
E. of Romney in that of K. Will. III.