IGHTHAM, a parish in the hundred of WROTHAM,
lathe of AYLESFORD, county of KENT, 1 mile (S. W.)
from Wrotham, containing 867 inhabitants. The living is
a rectory, within the exempt deanery of Shoreham, which
is in the peculiar jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury,
rated in the king's books at £ 15. 16. 8., and
in the patronage of the Rev. S. Cobb. The church is
dedicated to St. Peter. In 1720, Elizabeth James gave
a rent-charge for the instruction of children, and bequeathed
£50 to be placed at interest, directing ten
shillings per annum to be given in books to the children,
and the surplus to the poor. On Old Berry hill are
the remains of a Roman Castra cestiva, which occupied
a space of one hundred and thirty seven acres; in the
centre of this ancient enclosure are two fine springs.
A fair is held annually in Whitsun-week.. The ancient
name of this parish was Eight ham, it having contained
eight hams or villages.