Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Why Chatham

 


The name Chatham comes from the Old English word "Ceateham," which means "settlement at the cat's head." This is thought to refer to a local landmark, perhaps a headland or a rock formation that resembled a cat's head. The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Catham."

Over time, the name of the settlement evolved from "Ceateham" to "Chatham." The first recorded instance of the name "Chatham" appears in a document from 1189. The name has changed little since then, and it is still pronounced the same way today.

The name Chatham is a reminder of the settlement's early history. It suggests that the area was once a place of importance, and that it was considered to be a good place to settle. The name also has a certain charm and mystique, and it is a fitting name for a historic town with a rich maritime heritage.

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