CHEDDAR, town, Somersetshire, England, 22m. S.W. of Bristol by G.W.R. Pop. (1921) 2,007. To the west lies the low Axe valley, to the east rise immediately southwest the Mendip cliffs (60o-800ft.) of Cheddar gorge, with beautiful stalactitic caverns, of which Cox's and Gough's are best known. The remains discovered in the caves and elsewhere in the neighbourhood give evidence of prehistoric and Roman settlements at Cheddar (Cedre, Chedare), which was a convenient trade centre. The manor of Cheddar was a royal demesne in Saxon times, and the witenage mot was held there in 966 and 968. It was granted by John in 2204 to Hugh, archdeacon of Wells. The bishop of Bath and Wells granted it to the king in 1553. It is now owned by the marquis of Bath. By a charter of 1231 extensive liberties in the manor of Cheddar were granted to Bishop Joceline, who in 1235 obtained the right to hold a weekly market and fair. By a charter of Edward III. (133 7) Cheddar was removed from the king's forest of Mendip. The market was discontinued about 1690. Fairs are now held on May 4 and Oct. 29 under the original grants. The name of Cheddar is given to a well-known species of cheese (see DAIRY), the manufacture of which began in the 27th century in the town and neighbourhood.