HAM, a hamlet in the parish of KINGSTON-upon-THAMES,
first division of the hundred of KINGSTON,
county of SURREY, 9 miles (S. W. by W.) from London,
containing, with Hatch, 961 inhabitants. This place,
which is pleasantly situated between Kingston and Richmond,
contains several handsome mansions and detached
villas. There is a pleasure fair on the 29th of
May and the two following days, which is much frequented.
It is in contemplation to erect a chapel of
ease in this hamlet. Here is a place of worship for
Independents. Ham house, a noble mansion now belonging
to the Countess of Dysart, is said to havei
been the place where the cabinet council of Charles II.,
called "the Cabal," held their meetings; and James II.
was ordered by the Prince of Orange to retire to Ham
house, just before his flight to France in 1688.