*STOCKBRIDGE, (Hampshire) 9 m. N. from Winchester, 55 cm. 69 mm. from London, is a Bor. by prescription, and noted thoroughfare, with some good inns, in the S. W. road from London; but 'tis a poor place, and, in 1693, had like to have lost its charter for bribery. Memorable is the strategem by which Sir Rich. Steele carried his election for this Bor. against a powerful opposition by the court-party, in the R. of Q. Anne. Having made an entertainment for the burgesses and their wives, at which he was very gay and facetious, he took a large apple, stuck it full of guineas, and declared it the prize of that man whose wife should be first brought to-bed, after that day nine months. This merry offer of so golden an apple, was so well liked, especially by the good women, that they would not let their husbands rest till they had voted for Sir Richard, and he was accordingly returned. 'Tis said, the women here actually commemorate the knight to this day, and that they once made a strong push to get a standing order by the corp. that no man should be received as a candidate for it, who did not offer himself upon the same terms. This place has been of special note for wheel-wrights and carpenters. The Mt. is on Th. Fairs Holy-Th. St. Peter's and St. Luke's, for all cattle, especially sheep. Houghton-Downs in the neighbourhood are noted for horse-races.