HONITON, a burgh and market town of England, in Devonshire, is situated in a delightful vale, upon a gentle eminence, on the south side of the river Otter, command ing a fine view of the surrounding country, which is ex tremely beautiful. It consists chiefly of a spacious and handsome street, running from east to west, through which passes the high road from Exeter to Chard. Two other streets cross this at right angles, one on the north-west leading to Cullumptou, and the other on the north leading to Taunton. Through the principal street flows a stream of pure water, which the inhabitants receive from a dip ping-place opposite almost every door. The buildings, which are almost all modern, were covered with slate, in consequence of the town having been twice destroyed by fire in 1747, when three-fourths of it were reduced to ashes, and, in 1765, when nearly 180 houses were consum ed. In 1790, and 1797, it suffered considerably from fire. There is a chapel in the town, called All-Hallows chapel, which is a neat structure, with a square embattled tower of flint. It was built in 1765. The church is situated on a
high eminence, about three quarters of a mile from the town, and contains some ancient monuments. There is here a small free-school for boys, and a school of industry for girls ; and three meeting-houses for the Presbyterians, Baptists, and Independents.
The town is governed by a portreve and bailiff, who are chosen annually. It sends two members to Parliament. The number of voters is 350. The chief articles of manu facture here are broad lace and edgings, which are prin cipally sent to London. A great trade is carried on in but ter, which is also sent to the London market.
The following is the population abstract of 1811, for the burgh and parish : See Polywhele's History of Devonshire; and the Beauties of England and ii/ales, vol. iv. p. 299.