THORNBURY, (Gloucestershire) on a rivulet that runs 2 m. off into the Severn, is 22 m. from Glocester city, 89 cm. 105 1- half mm. from London. The p. is 20 m. in com. The manor bel. but lately, if it does not still, to the family of Stafford, whose ancestor was by K. James II. created an Earl. The chief gentry of the Co. were formerly obliged to attend the court of this manor, at which actions were tried of a considerable value, and the abbot of Tewksbury to say mass. Here are still to be seen the foundations of a magnificent castle intended, but never finished, by Edward D. of Bucks, who was beheaded in the R. of Henry VIII. Here is a large Ch. built in the cathedral form, 4 almshs. for 15 poor people, and a fr. sc. The T. which gives name to the H. has a customary or titular mayor, 12 ald. who must be such as have been mayors, and 2 constables. In 1670, William Visc. Stafford procured it a Mt. on S. and Fairs on Easter-M. Aug. 15, and M. before St. Thomas. In the civil wars this T. was fortified for King Charles I. to curb the garison of Glocester.